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By Bob Weaver
The reduction in force (RIF) is on for the Calhoun County school
system. Both
teachers and service personnel can be discharged or transferred
because of
declining school enrollment. Last night the board went into executive
session for a
hearing related to the discharge of service personnel. The actual list
of people
affected has not been released, although the number is
considerable.
Superintendent Ron Blanklenship has said the funding mechanism for
rural, low
population counties must be reversed if mandated services are to be
delivered. He
said "It is the biggest crisis of my career as an administrator."
A Millstone woman, Sue Roberts, said she wanted to make a public
statement to the
school board, but her comments became part of an executive session
related to an
expulsion hearing. "I don't think they wanted me to speak publicly,"
she said.
Roberts said she told the school board she is disturbed about the
sale, distribution
and use of illegal drugs at Calhoun Middle/High School. "I speak with
first-hand
knowledge about the problem," she said. "I am upset when the school
system
chooses to protect itself and deny the problem...It IS a serious
problem when you can
attach names and faces of students as I can."
Roberts concerned about school's drug problem
The woman, in a statement which is printed as a Letter to the Editor
in today's
edition, describes the availability of crystal meth or crank, in
addition to prescription
drugs used for the treatment of mental illness or pain which are
traded or sold. "We
are very much aware that Pot is available..."
Roberts said it was very difficult for her to come before the Calhoun
County Board of
Education. "Many of us are neighbors and friends."
She challenged the board to become more open about the drug problem.
"We have a
right to know about these problems." Her statement concluded with "I,
like each of
you, want the best for our children. I wish each of you well as you
consider my
concerns. I respectfully request a written statement (from the board)
regarding these
concerns."
The board adopted a Work-Based Learning Policy. They approved home
school
requests for Jeremiah Hamburg (grade six), son of Robert Hamburg and
Dustin
Jefferey (grade 7), son of Barbara Simmons. Out of state conference
requests were
approved for Renita Benson and Charles Thomas.
Other details of the board meeting will follow.
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