Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“If I see the need to have my daughter tested for drugs, I will have it done,” said Becky Hand at the Milan School Board meeting held on April 21. Hand, whose daughter is an eighth grader at the Milan Middle School, continued, “If the school sees a problem, bring it to my attention.”

Hand is adamantly against the proposed random drug testing policy that was brought before the school board at the March 21 meeting. According to the proposal, those high school students participating in athletic and extracurricular activities and student drivers will be required to pass a random drug test in order to participate in these activities. The policy does not cause suspension or expulsion from school if drug use is found, but students may face possible suspension from the activity as per the student handbook.

According to Hand, her research on random drug testing showed little to support the effectiveness of the test. It is her assertion that students know how to beat the test. Hand stated that alcohol stays in the system for 24 hours with meth two to four hours. According to Hand, an Internet search on “how to beat the test” brings up over four million hits.

Hand cited a study where five schools held random testing, and six schools did not. The testing was accompanied by an increase of use in the athletes who were tested. “I wonder if these tests do more harm than good?” said Hand. She continued, “I want to see more research before my child is involved in it.”

Superintendent Jackson stated that there were a “large number of studies proving the effectiveness” of testing. He also indicated that the Department of Education recommends random drug testing. He assured Hand that the testing, which is provided by the same company that tests the school bus drivers, is completely confidential. The student being tested is assigned a number, which is provided to school officials.

“We are a long ways from making a decision concerning this policy,” said Jackson. He proposed that a committee be formed to further investigate the pros and cons. He encouraged anyone with concerns to speak with him on the subject. The issue was tabled for discussion at a later meeting.

Connie Stutler voiced concerns of the possible hiring of Wes Peek as a special education teacher and basketball coach According to Stutler, whose daughter is in the special needs program, the situation was only recently brought to her attention, and she did not have the opportunity to speak to the principal before the meeting. “I’ve been hearing conflicting reports,” said Stutler.

Stutler stated that by researching the teacher on the Indiana Department of Education website, she learned that Peek’s teaching license lapsed five years ago. “I feel that a qualified teacher is being replaced by a basketball coach,” said Stutler. According to Stutler, she is concerned that a change in the teaching staff would jeopardize her daughter’s chance to receive a diploma. “This is not just for my daughter, but for the others in the coming years,” she said.

Superintendent Jackson assured Stutler that Peek would have all the required qualifications before employment. He also stated that personnel could not be discussed at a public meeting, but would welcome a discussion in his office.

Jackson asked the board to accept Principal Healy’s recommendation of Wes Peek as the special education teacher and basketball coach. Board member Randy Kirk made a motion to table the decision, due to the patron concerns. “I don’t want the patrons to think that their concerns aren’t listened to,” he said. The motion failed for lack of a second to the motion.

Superintendent Jackson said, “I am confident he will do a good job. He has experience as a special education teacher.” Board president Voss stated that he has met Peek, and believes that he will do a good job. He urged the patrons, “Give him (Peek) a chance. I think he will be a better teacher than a coach.” The motion to accept the recommendation passed 3-0, with two abstaining.

Nate Greer, seventh grader at Milan Middle School, thanked all who helped him reach his goal for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge that was held in February. Greer raised a total of $3700, with Milan Middle School contributing $1100. He went on to thank middle school principal Marty Layden for plunging with him and Terra Jones for making his costume. Greer’s mother, Sue, thanked the elementary school for the use of the gym for basketball practice. She also made a request for volunteers for the program.

The following student athletes were recognized by athletic director David Wolferst for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average: Robert Shannon, Neal Herzog, Lindsay Roell, Andrew Dixon, Katie Dickey, Elizabeth Fuller, Arielle Noel, Heather Lambert, Kelly Stutler, Zach Schmitt, Alex Walter, Molly Scudder, and Alan Voss. “Congratulations,” said board president Voss. “This is a special honor. It is difficult to play sports and keep up a 4.0 grade average.”

In other business:

* The board unanimously accepted the new school improvement plan. According to Jackson, a new plan must be submitted every three years.

* The following textbook adoptions were unanimously approved: the high school language arts from Holt, Reinhart, and Winston; for world languages, Spanish textbook from McGraw, and German from Holt, Reinhart, and Winston. The board accepted a waiver from the middle school and the elementary school to continue using the language arts texts currently being used.

* The board approved the list of non-working technology that will be disposed of at a cost of $3 each system. The list includes printers, copiers, and monitors.

* The board approved participation in the Indiana Bond Bank mid-year program. Superintendent Jackson explained that this loan would be repaid upon receipt of the property tax money from the county.

* The board unanimously approved the bid for roof repair from Southern Roofing. The cost will be $98,560.

* The following field trips were approved: the third grade visit to the Great American Ballpark; the high school and middle school chapters of SADD trips to Kings Island.

* The FFA received approval to hold a fundraiser selling Hoosier Hills Homegrown meat.

* The board accepted the bid for property liability insurance from Indiana Insurance for $72,000.

The next board meeting will be held on Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.