Beth Ramsey, Staff Writer

Changes to the student handbook were considered at the Southeastern Career Center Board of Directors meeting held on Wednesday, May 14. Assistant Director James Rogers suggested a wording change in the absence policy from “personal illness” to “person illness or family emergency.” According to Rogers, the family emergency absences will be included in the four excused absences allowed to the students. Another change proposed was added to the suspension policy. The change would state that if a student is suspended from his or her home school, it would not fall under the excessive absence policy, but a grade may be lowered at the discretion of the teacher. The board suggested the daily participation grade be lowered, rather than the student receiving a zero for missed work.

A change in the appearance codes was also suggested by Rogers. He suggested a change from the current code regarding the length of skirts and shorts, where the length should reach the fingertips while at rest, to “clothing considered by school authority as indecent.” According to Director Brad Street, the main clothing issue is safety. Since many of the classes taught at SCC are trades, the instructors have permission to enforce a dress code within their classes.

The cell phone policy was amended. First offense will have the student’s phone confiscated; second offense will include a one day suspension; and a third offense will give the student two days’ suspension. According to Rogers, this policy is already in effect, it just needed to be included in the handbook.

The board unanimously approved these changes. Rogers will submit the changes to the school attorney for approval. Once approved, the changes will be included in the 2008-2009 student handbook.

In other business:

• The board unanimously approved the Building Trades and Diesel Tech field trip to Kansas City, MO, to compete in the Skills USA National contest.

• Advertising for bids for Phase III of the roofing project received unanimous approval.

• Madison Consolidated School Corporation received approval to join the Board of Directors.

• The board unanimously agreed to have letters mailed regarding the reduction of instructors in the adult education program and the medical office program. SCC has not yet received approval of a grant for these programs, and according to Street, the letters may be rescinded after receiving approval for the grant.

• The list of items for sale at the May 31 auction was unanimously approved.

• The 2007-2008 teacher contracts were unanimously approved.

• Information concerning the audit of the Indiana Virtual Academy was reviewed. As this was informational only, no motion was made.

• The assessed valuations were released, with Street stating that Madison schools will be added to the budget.

• The board approved the recommendation to purchase two lots in the Harvest Ridge Subdivision in Versailles.

• The board agreed to allow the Ripley County Amateur Radio Club to put an antenna on the tower.
The next board of directors meeting will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 9 a.m. in room A-105..