MISD looks at drug policy
By TOM BERRY
Staff Writer
The Murray Independent Board of Education will soon consider adopting a more rigorous drug-testing program for employees requested by the Calloway County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention.
Citing a letter to the board from CC-ASAP Director Dottie Kraemer requesting a more stringent program be considered and implemented, Superintendent Bob Rogers said board attorney Chip Adams is now taking a look at what can be legally done.
“We are passing the KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) drug policy, but (the ASAP proposal) makes recommendations that are much more strict as what the KSBA is asking you to do,” Rogers said during a meeting of the board Tuesday night.
Rogers cited the arrest of a district employee on drug charges as a reason why the district might want to consider adopting a program that would include more demanding regulations and possible random drug-testing procedures as requested by ASAP.
The request has also been made by ASAP to the Calloway County Board of Education, according to Rogers. CC- ASAP is a local committee composed of law enforcement, business, civic, education, medical and other groups united to fight drug abuse in the Murray-Calloway County community.
The board approved KSBA drug policy guidelines as part of a comprehensive adoption of newly-enacted policy updates during the meeting.
In other business, the board listened as Rogers reported on progress made to get teachers into classrooms and the district's facilities ready. The first day of school is set for Aug. 6 for students.
He noted that several teachers that worked for the district last year have decided to take jobs elsewhere closer to home, but that there have been several new ones recently hired to fill available positions.
“I think we're pretty much ready to go. We have been fortunate to fill those positions,” Rogers said. “Of course we may lose a few between now and then, but I think we'll be ready.”
Among new faces will be Mickey Hill from northern Kentucky who was hired as assistant principal for Murray Middle School.
As of this morning, 1,420 students are enrolled in Murray Independent schools for the 2007-08 school year; down from a reported 1,500 last year.
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Jul 18, 2007 - 12:08:35 EDT.
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