PISD DRUG TESTING POLICY POSSIBLE

Student drug testing, a review of facility needs and a look at benefits for
both employees and students received consideration from Paris Independent
School District trustees this week.

Movement continues toward drug testing for students who participate in
University Scholastic League competition.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Hudson reported he has received sample drug
testing policies from area schools.

"We will form a district-wide committee which will review these policies
and determine if this is something we want to pursue further," Hudson said.

Texas Association of School Administrator consultant Paul Trautman is in
the district to review facilities prior to submitting a detailed facility
needs report, according to Business Manager Kay Spann.

Troutman performed the same type "deficit study" last year for Clarksville
Independent School District.

After receiving the consultant's analysis at an upcoming board meeting, a
community study committee will review Trautman's recommendations and
prioritize district needs, Spann said Tuesday after a Monday trustee meeting.

Based on space availability, the district may allow staff members to send
4-year-old children to the district's prekindergarten program beginning in
fall 2004, according to school officials.

Human Resource Director Robert High expressed hope that prekindergarten
could be offered as part of a district incentive package and recruitment tool.

"It's a matter of numbers and space," High said. "After we receive better
enrollment numbers for next year, we will know how many spots we might have
open for staff children."

Other districts in the state open prekindergarten to staff members, High
said, adding that he will continue to review how other districts determine
enrollment procedures so that things are fair for all.

"It's a matter of space," Hudson said, speaking about classroom space at
T.G. Givens Elementary. "We know we are required to have a bilingual class
beginning next year which we must find space for."

The campus had at least 20 students in need of bilingual services during
the current school year, Hudson said, explaining that number triggers a
required class for next year.

To add to student benefits, trustees voted to drop charges for a summer
weights and conditioning program conducted yearly at the Raymond Berry
Athletic Complex at the high school campus.

"We are checking with UIL regulations to see if we could open the facility
to students from outside the district," Hudson said. "There's something in
the rules which speaks to attendance zones, and we're checking into that."

Students who transfer into the district from outlying areas are considered
PISD students and are are not subject to UIL restrictions.

The program is open to students in grades nine through 12 regardless of
whether the student participates in athletics, Hudson said.

"We see this as something positive for our students who would like to come
out during the summer and work out," Hudson continued. "Conditioning is
good for students and the program serves as a recruitment tool for
athletics as well."

Spann gave trustees a peek at preliminary budget numbers for fiscal year
2004-2005. Although educational finance is still up in the air in Austin,
districts must proceed with budgets.

"You plan and budget under current law and hope for the best," Spann said
of legislative uncertainties.

Hudson addressed growing student numbers, up 114 students from May 2003,
with current enrollment at 3,900 students.

"This increase is due to a positive 146 student transfer number and
increased in-district growth due to more residential housing," Hudson
concluded.

Trustees approved an interlocal participation agreement for worker's
compensation through Texas Association of School Board's Risk Management
Fund. Trustees awarded TASB the district's property and casualty, general
liability, equipment breakdown, professional legal liability and fleet
insurance insurance coverage.

Trustees extended a contract with auditing firm Malnory, McNeal and Company
through fiscal year 2005 for outside audits and adopted a resolution to
participate in a food services purchasing agreement through Revion 8
Education Service Center.

The board upheld an administrative recommendation on a grievance brought by
district custodian George Woods.