BASCOM - The ratification of bylaws and policy proposals was not automatic at the Hopewell-Loudon school board meeting Wednesday evening.
Twenty-two bylaws and policy proposals became 21 when board member Steven Dandurand asked the final revision, policy 8800, regarding religious/patriotic ceremonies and observances be separated from the others and acted on independently.
Superintendent Geoffrey Palmer told the board part of the policy specified "no clergy at graduation, no baccalaureate, no graduation Mass, no formal prayer at school events, no benediction, no invocation." Palmer said this policy revision brings it in line with state law, and while he didn't necessarily agree with it, it is the law.
"But we do it," Dandurand said.
He questioned why the use of religious music at some music programs at the school didn't violate the policy, with Palmer answering that there is a level of acceptability with music.
Board member Sandra Reinhart asked whether coaches followed the policy when in the locker room, whether prayers aren't sometimes said when the game isn't going so well.
The policy revision was tabled until the next board meeting.
Science instructors Carla Young and Deb Weaver gave the board a presentation on energy efficiency education, a program sponsored by American Electric Power and administered through the Ohio Energy Project. AEP furnishes educational kits valued at $70 to every student in the program. Students are to perform experiments at school, write journals, carry over their energy efficient ideas to their home and hope to educate their parents.
Interactive activities are encouraged through a youth energy summit and hands-on through an energy fair. There also is a program for girls - Activating, Energizing Girls in Science - with workshops in the summer.
High school principal Bill Dobbins discussed the flex credit program, required to be instituted for the 2010-2011 school year. Dobbins said the program provided students with a flexible way to earn credit, allowing students to opt out of some programs. Board president Gregory Siebenaller asked whether this would mean every student would be on an individualized education plan, or IEP. Dobbins said he didn't know.
Dobbins also has had discussions with Wright State University in Dayton in providing a dual-enrollment option.
Board vice president Linda Depinet announced WNWO-TV in Toledo had awarded a $500 scholarship to Hopewell-Loudon based on voting of several school feature presentations. Lourdes College has co-sponsored the contest, and the scholarship will be available for those attending Lourdes.
In other matters, the board:
n Approved a temporary work agreement with the Seneca County commissioners.
n Approved a contract with NCOESC for audiological services.
n Assigned supplemental/extra duty of certified personnel, including Brad Snyder, varsity assistant baseball; J. Borer, varsity assistant softball; Joe Hoelzle, spring weight room; and Ruth Stiverson, spring athletic trainer.
The school levy committee is to meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6 in the cafeteria. The next board meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Distance Learning Lab.
