By Jolene FarleyThe Hills-Beaver Creek School Board reviewed policy changes for the district at a Monday meeting. Policy 414, "Mandating of Child Neglect or Physical Abuse," Policy 506, "Student Discipline and Policy," and Policy 507, "Corporal Punishment" were reviewed but not approved by the board. The items will appear on the next meeting agenda for approval. The Minnesota School Board Association suggested minor changes, according to Superintendent Dave Deragisch. The changes basically tighten guidelines but don’t change the intent of the written policy, according to Deragisch."If the student is being disruptive to the classroom environment, we have the right to dismiss," Deragisch said. "It can’t be a matter of if the principal is in a good mood or bad mood when a student is kicked out of class," Deragisch said. "Too many times schools are accused of having different rules for different kids."Deragisch said he wants to ensure students are dealt with consistently and correctly every time there is a discipline issue."We don’t have to use the MSBA wording, however, I strongly suggest that we do," he said.In other board business:oDeragisch plans to induct students into the National Honor Society even though the district isn’t a full-fledged member of the Society yet. He wants this year’s inductees to help with the program next year. Regular meetings would be encouraged and those chosen will be honored at the awards banquet and during the graduation ceremony.Students are chosen based on character, academics, leadership and involvement. The national program was dropped in the district a number of years ago.oElementary teacher Nicole Fey asked the board to allow her to drop from full-time to half-time status to spend more time with her family. The board debated for some time if a time limit should be placed on how long Fey is allowed to stay on half-time status. "If we have some questions as far as length and how long, we need to address this," Deragisch said. The board tabled the issue until the Monday, April 28, meeting. oThe State Fire Marshal visited the school last week and approved the current facility and the plans for the new addition. The Fire Marshal will not inspect the facility again for 10 years, according to Deragisch.oFunding for the Rock County Collaborative has been affected by state budget cuts.Raising the fees for the 10 members from $100 to $1,200 was discussed at the last Collaborative meeting. The increase would pay for the coordinator’s position. Deragisch advised the board that the benefits of joining the Collaborative may have to be re-evaluated. "We have to make a tough decision coming up," he said.Collaborative members and School Board members will discuss the matter further at future meetings.oAuthor and illustrator William Durbin will visit H-BC Elementary School Wednesday, April 23, to speak to students about his work and about writing. Students can order his books beforehand and have Durbin autograph them when he arrives.
