JM board discusses cell phone issues
JEFFERSON – Jefferson-Morgan School District will not bar students from carrying cell phones on school property. The school board decided Monday that because about 40 percent of the student body participates in after-school activities, cell phones are necessary to coordinate schedules with family members. Superintendent Donna Furnier added that as long as teachers and administrators do not see the cell phones, especially during class time, the students would not be stopped from carrying them.
If a student is seen using a cell phone, the phone will be confiscated.
If the student is seen using one a second time, a parent must visit the school to pick up the phone and the student must spend one day in behavior management. Following the third offense, the parents are contacted again, and the student is suspended.
The board also discussed letters sent to state Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, regarding taxes placed on Marcellus shale natural gas wells, stressing that if taxes are going to be implemented, the gas companies should be responsible for the cost, not the landowner.
The board stressed that any additional tax burden should not go against the property owners, and any tax revenue gained should be used for the local, rural school districts and not placed in a general fund.
In personnel issues, Kim Elsenheimer was hired as food service director at a salary of $36,900.
The board also approved the hiring of Lisa Faddis as assistant varsity girls basketball coach. Chris Hill was approved as a volunteer coach for the boys football and baseball teams.