CARROLL BOARD MEETS WITH STUDENTS

Carroll School Board members had their annual meeting with the
Student Council during the school day on March 17.

Among the topics discussed were drugs, cell phones, economic impact
on the schools, 10-year plan, and students' "wish list."

Students were asked about Carroll students' drug use. Among high
school students, the Student Council estimated that 15-20 percent are
regular users of drugs, and maybe as high as 40 percent use
occasionally or at least have tried drugs. Their perception is that
the students use recreational drugs, not performance enhancing drugs.

The students also said they believe the school's random drug testing
is not very effective. By law, it can only test those who drive to
school, are in athletics, or in extracurricular activities. Students
said those who drive, but do not want to take a chance on being
tested for drugs, park at the YMCA and catch a ride to school with
someone else.

Assistant principal Fred Schnarr said the school usually has one to
three drug searches a year. He said he has made several requests to
law enforcement for searches this year, but has gotten no response.
Principal Charles Huckstep said drugs are usually not found in the
searches.

Board member Dave Lambert asked about student use of cell phones
during the school day, which is prohibited. The students said cell
phone use, especially texting, is prevalent. Students seem to know
where and when they can get by with it. One girl said restrooms are a
popular place for cell phone use.

Malena Zook asked what effect the state of the economy is having on
the schools.

Superintendent John Sayers said they are looking at ways to cut
energy costs, and they are holding off on starting some projects, but
they have not had to reduce teaching staff - for next year anyway.

Sayers said the latest electric bill for the two schools was
$16,000.

He pointed out that the state is taking over schools' general fund,
and he wonders where that money will come from.

Megan Garrison asked about the corporation's 10- year
plan.

Sayers said the first priority is air conditioning the entire
junior-senior high school, and the goal is to accomplish that by next
September. He said however, it will depend on the bids that come in.

The next project, he said, will be the science addition, and several
options are being considered.

Improving the traffic flow at the schools is also in the
plan.

This summer, Sayers said improvements to the gym will be
made.

He listed as long range plans - seating at the pool; roof, parking
lot, and facility maintenance work; and possibly, more athletic
facilities or a field house.

He said the wrestlers have been practicing in the cafeteria, but the
YMCA has agreed to let the team practice there.

Some of the things students mentioned on their "wish list" were
working clocks in the hallways, more projectors and lap tops for
classrooms, faster Internet access, new library books, and inside
locks on classroom doors.

Kevin Knaus brought up the locks as a school safety issue. He said in
an emergency situation, the drill is to lock the doors, stay in the
rooms, and stay out of the hallways. But he said teachers have to go
into the hallway to lock the doors.

Students who brought up needs for the music department and athletics
were told to look at the handbook for procedures. Possible answers
are through the Music Boosters, Athletic Boosters, or from
sponsorships and fundraisers.

Dylon Shields asked for more hands-on work in classes, to make them
more interesting. He also expressed concern that substitute teachers
do not have control of the class, and things happen that shouldn't.

Board member Michelle Simmons asked why some students are falling
behind, and what could be done to help them.

Those who answered said two of the reasons students fail are that
they don't care and/or they have a poor home environment. They said
there are resources at the school to help them, but they don't seek
help.

Kevin Knaus said he believes the mentoring program at the elementary
is important because it helps students before they reach the high
school level.

Board president Sam Zook asked for a quick ranking of Carroll Jr.-Sr.
High School from one to ten, with ten being the best. The consensus
was seven.

Although junior high school Student Council members did not attend
the meeting, they did submit questions, which were presented.

Student Council sponsors are Danna Bonfiglio, junior high, and Ryan
Duff, high school.