OTHS eyes changes for cell phone use, drug and alcohol policy
04/19/2011, 12:08 am
Melissa Garzanelli, melissag@mywebtimes.com, 815-431-4049
Ottawa Township High School may loosen restrictions on daytime cell phone, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year.
Assistant Principal Jeff DeWalt gave the OTHS board copies of proposed changes to the 2011-2012 student handbook during the board meeting Monday. The changes were recommendations by the handbook committee for the board to consider for approval at next month's meeting.
One proposal is to allow students to use their cell phones during their lunch periods. DeWalt said other schools in the conference have gone this route and found it cuts down on incidents of students trying to use their phones during class time.
Another proposed change would allow final exam exemptions for all classes, not just seniors. Those exemptions must be earned through attendance, grades and behavior. Freshmen could earn one exemption per semester; sophomores could earn two exemptions per semester; three possible exemptions for juniors and four for seniors.
The board also will consider a change to the alcohol and drug use policy for student athletes and others in extracurricular activities. Right now, the policy is only applied during the actual season of the sport or activity. Under the change, the policy would be in effect year round. For example, if a student who only played baseball violates the policy during the fall, it would still impact his baseball season.
Other language and clarification changes are also being considered, but those revisions are minor, saidDeWalt.
The board will consider approval of the handbook changes at the May 16 board meeting.
In other action:
The board:
- Heard a report on the district's finances. Ottawa Township High School is anticipating the loss of about $234,000 in revenue for next year due to a 2.5-percent drop in assessed value. Superintendent Matt Winchester also said insurance claims have been up this year, which may eat up the savings the district was seeing in the 2010-2011 budget.
- Passed a resolution recognizing the clerical staff for Administrative Professionals Day on April 27.
- Appointed Craig Mueller, social science department chairman; Mark Cartwright, yearbook adviser; and Ron Slack, volunteer track coach.
- Employed Christina Anderson as a French teacher, working four-fifths of the school day.
- Approved a reduction in force for two special needs aides at the end of the school year. These positions may be re-hired for next school year if the positions are needed.
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