C-1 TO RE-THINK CONDUCT CODE AFTER PARENT RAISES CONCERNS

Concern About Custer County School's Recently Adopted Code Of Conduct Has
Surfaced.

At the start of the Sept. 12 school board meeting, C-1 parent Jeff Reeves
shared his unease regarding the school's code of conduct policy for
students participating in extracurricular activities.

According to Reeves, the policy leaves the school district open to
liability troubles.

"The code went too far," said Reeves. He said the code of conduct addresses
how students must behave regardless of whether or not they are at a
school-sponsored activity.

Reeves said similar policies in surrounding school districts only address
the behavior of students while they are attending school sponsored events
and activities.

The general consensus of school board members was to place the matter on
the agenda for the October meeting.

However, school superintendent Lance Villers said he and secondary
principal Barb Jones continue to stand by the policy.

The C-1 board of education approved the new student code of conduct policy
in May. It went into effect at the start of the 2006-2007 school year.

Board president Charlie French was the lone vote against the policy. At
that time, French said he felt the school might be extending its authority.

The policy sets the standard of behavior for all Custer County students
participating in extra curricular activities.

Extracurricular activities include but are not limited to sports games and
scrimmages, drama and musical shows, knowledge bowl meets, FFA competition
and cheerleading.

All school-sponsored activities are covered by the policy.

In brief, the policy prohibits the possession and use of illegal drugs,
alcohol and tobacco at all times.

It requires students to disassociate themselves from those violating the
policy and to report violators.

Dress codes and eligibility requirements are also included, as well as
violation punishments.

Violators face suspension and expulsion from extra curricular activities.

In other business during last week's meeting, the C-1 board:

APPROVED a request by teacher Lissa Miller to take her advanced Spanish
students on an immersion trip to Costa Rica in the spring. Students must
pay their own way. They will stay with host families to learn about the
culture and to practice their Spanish-speaking skills.

WERE INFORMED sixth through twelfth grades have switched from a quarter
grading period to a semester grading period. The elementary grades will
remain on the quarter system.

HIRED Scott Winter as athletic director, Gail Frickell assistant athletic
director, Steve Schultz head baseball coach and Scott Wilson head girls
basketball coach. Also, Dallas Anderson as bus driver, Lisa Schubert part
time lunchroom aide, and Crissy Smith custodial substitute.

ACCEPTED the substitute teacher and substitute kitchen help lists.

HEARD a district volleyball tournament will be held at Custer County School
this school year.

All school board members -- Charlie French, Gary Frickell, Bill McAlee,
Shawn Schultz and Randy Woods -- were present. Also in attendance were
elementary principal Michael Norris and secondary principal Barb Jones, as
well as board secretary Denyse Mansfield.

Nora Drenner