SUMMERS BOARD EXPELS STUDENT, OKS DRAFTING DRUG TESTING POLICY

HINTON -- The Summers County school board expelled a student Thursday and
agreed to draft a drug-testing policy. Members convened a 10-minute
executive session to discuss the student.

When they returned, Superintendent Richie Rodes recommended expelling the
female Summers County High School sophomore for 365 days under the Safe
Schools Act. The girl will receive educational services at the alternative
school and must complete a counseling program through FMRS Mental Health
Inc. to return to class. He said the girl got into a fight on a school bus.

The board voted 3-0 to expel the girl, with members Gene Davis and Susie
Keffer absent.

Members voted unanimously to direct school officials to draft a
drug-testing policy for all high school athletes, band members and coaches.

Rodes said, "This has become of interest to all school people, to all civic
leaders and to parents ... It is a community issue. I understand that."

Members discussed such a policy at the November meeting.

He said testing would cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Schools would be
asked to share the cost.

Board vice president Cletis Pack commended coaches for their initiative and
support of random drug testing.

Rodes said he expects to have the policy ready for public review by the
Jan. 17 meeting.

Business manager Joe Kessler briefed the board on latest attempts to get
the Summers Middle School gym floor replaced and dressing rooms and
bathrooms repaired.

When contractors replaced the gym roof last summer, rain damaged the floor
and other areas of the gym. Swope Construction Co. acknowledged the damage
resulting from subcontractors' work and indicated company officials would
pay for damages.

Kessler said the board gave Swope until Nov. 30 to make restitution and
that deadline passed. The school system contracted with Cincinnati Flooring
to replace the floor, which should be complete Jan. 12. The other repairs
will follow.

He said he filed a letter with the state School Building Authority, which
awarded grants for SMS renovations, asking to use $50,000 remaining in the
job account to pay partial costs for the new floor. The board will sue
Swope for the remaining $17,000. "I don't have any doubts that we'll get
our money back."

Members convened a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel and
took no action upon returning to open session.

- - E-mail Nerissa Young at nyoung@register-herald.com