Minutes of the Work Session of the Board of Trustees
of Whitefish School District No. 44 and High School
Held April 22, 2008
The Trustees of Whitefish School District No. 44 and High School met for a work session on March 25, 2008 in the Whitefish Middle School Multi-Purpose Room.
Members Present: Chairperson Dave Fern, Amy Eddy, Ruth Harrison, Shannon Hanson, Erick Hosek, Mike Ferda, and Pat Jarvi.
Members Absent: None.
Officials Present: Superintendent Jerry House and District Clerk Danelle Reisch.
Call to Order
Chairperson Fern called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Review and Revision of the Agenda
There were no changes.
Public Comment
There was none.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent House reported on the following upcoming events:
- Canvass Election – May 7, 7:30 a.m.
- Ginny Tribe – June 26, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Board Policy 2413 Report
Superintendent House reviewed the current policy relating to credit transfer/assessment for placement. He also presented the committee’s recommendation for a revision to the policy, which would allow only credit from accredited schools.
Professional Development
Superintendent House provided information about the current Advisory Committee and the opportunity to discuss professional development at the board retreat and tie it into the strategic planning process.
Drug/Alcohol Discussion
Superintendent House informed the audience the board of trustees is considering a proposal presented by the Whitefish High School coaching and administrative staff to drug test extracurricular participants. The Superintendent also presented an informational packet, the opinion of the District’s insurance carrier
The following people addressed the board:
Michael Newman, medical director at Pathways, offered his services to the board to help develop assessments of the policy and results to determine if it is working. The community needs to step forward and not rely on the school district to solve the drug problem in the community.
Janet Beiser expressed concern about drug testing, indicating alcohol resulted in accidents she witnessed during her years as a nurse.
Teri Balaska addressed the board opposing drug testing.
Jeff Gilman addressed the board citing the current policies in place which have not been implemented consistently.
Sean Duff provided results from a survey of 7th and 8th grade students regarding drug use and testing in school.
Miriam Lewis opposed the policy as it is currently proposed and acknowledged the community needs to continue to address the problem.
Melissa Yates asked about funding, how the closed campus issued is related and what current education programs are in place.
Rob Veneman, WHS school resource officer expressed concern about parents supplying their children with drugs and alcohol and the need to address the problem.
Laura Strong expressed the need to address the problem as a community.
Jeff Bailey encouraged implementing the policy but expressed concern about the enforcement of the current policy.
Andy Hudak commended the committee for its work. He is in favor of drug testing, but not random testing. He suggested alternative methods to help students make good decisions.
Steve Bryson expressed gratitude for the committee’s work. Suspicion based testing is important and necessary. He proposed a student assistance program as a solution.
Frank O’Brien encouraged the board to develop programs and curriculum to address the problems.
Dana Ducote, parent of four students in the Whitefish School system. She expressed concern about the students who are not participants in extra-curricular activities.
Scott Strellnauer supports random drug testing to provide teeth to the current training rules contract.
Chad Ross urged the board to make a decision and implement the policy.
Terry Nelson supported testing as an additional step in the current process, not necessarily as a new tactic.
Jackie Fuller asked for board and community support of the proposed policy. She also read supporting statements from coaches Derek Schulz, Bill Brist, David Dachs, Ashlie Fleming and Micaela LaChance.
Coaches Ryan Hoffman, Lini Reading, Pat Dryden, Tim Olson and Pat McLaughlin urged the board to adopt the policy.
WHS Assistant Principal Jeff Peck read a statement from coach Eric Stang supporting the proposed policy.
Dr. John Kalbfleisch explained the testing process. He encouraged the board to adopt the policy.
Jeff Peck addressed the audience and board and urged the board to adopt the proposed policy.
The board discussed potential legal and insurance issues, and assessment of the success of the program. The board also discussed even if drug testing is implemented, additional solutions must be developed. The board requested information on different types of drug testing, i.e. mandatory random, suspicion based testing, or voluntary testing, as well as any other programs that may be available.
Adjourn
Amy Eddy moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m. Ruth Harrison seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
5/13/08
Chairperson of the Board Date
5/13/08
Attest: Clerk to the Board Date