By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: There was a full house for the Autauga County Board of Education meeting Tuesday.
The Autauga County BOE is taking measures to ensure student safety after two recent incidents where students were found with guns on campuses.
The Board voted unanimously to implement a clear backpack policy. The logistics of this new policy are being worked out. A start date for the policy will be announced at a special Board meeting set for Tuesday, Feb. 21. At 7 a.m.
The clear backpack policy will affect more than 3,000 students at Prattville Junior High School and Prattville High School.
“In light of recent security issues that we’ve had in a few of the schools I feel like this is a huge safety concern that we have,” District 2 Kim Crockett said as she introduced the item. “And I feel like this is the quickest action that we can take. Yes, metal detectors will be great, those costs money. We are working on trying to find some funds for that whether it be grants. “We are working on that, but that takes a lot more time. The quickest thing that we can do is to implement a clear backpack policy.”
“I think it’s a good policy but make sure that it’s enacted correctly. From being able to work with the administration on what exactly is allowed and what’s not. Sports bags, purses, an idea of what we’re going to allow, what’s not allowed so there’s not confusion,” District 4 Billy Hollon said during discussions.
The Board wants the transition to clear backpacks only to be an easy one with little disruption to day-to-day activities.
In addition, the Board does not want to add financial strain to families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
“I’ve asked a few people within our community and, it’s not definite yet, but to help out with that to help buy some backpacks,” Crocket said.
Board member Kyle Glover commended Crocket for adding the clear backpack policy to the agenda, and while it may take some time and effort to work out all the kinks, this new policy is necessary for student safety.
“I know this will be a first step in what we’re facing. There may be bumps in the road but no bump is worth a child’s life,” Glover said.
In addition to passing the clear backpack policy, the Board recognized National School Counseling Week and members of the Autauga County School’s counseling staff were honored during the meeting.
“Now, more than ever, we appreciate our school counselors,” ACBOE Superintendent Tim Tidmore said. “We really couldn’t do what we do without our school counselors. I appreciate you very much. I know we expect a lot from you all. Sometimes it seems like more so than others. But you certainly do make a difference in all that you do in our schools.”
There were two individuals who addressed the Board. Each had a three-minute time limit.
Patrick Lucas first addressed the board saying he was, “disappointed on so many levels.” Lucas then asked the BOE if school policy allowed students to make written statements following an incident without a parent or guardian present.
“When they write something on paper, there’s no guardian, no parent, there. I just don’t think that’s fair because what’s been written down can be used against them because a lot of them are emotional, they don’t really understand what they are doing,” he said.
Lucas also said bullying is often the catalyst that causes further, more serious, incidents in schools.
“Bullying. Nobody really deals with bullying,” Lucas said. “The reason why, a lot of times, incidents happen when kids bring weapons to school is because when they go to folks they are supposed to go to and say they have problem, it’s pushed under the rug.”
Lucas also questioned the school system’s policy when it comes to investigations. Suggesting that in some cases, the person conducting the investigation could be connected in some way to the individual being investigated.
The next individual to address the Board was a Mr. Short. He was concerned with the school’s code of conduct, and the school’s Second Chance program and the rules and regulations regarding it they are in the code of conduct.
The Board then passed the Consent Agenda, all in favor.
After passing the Consent Agenda, the Board moved to Consider for Approval. Tidmore then recommended the approval of the bid for the Early Learning Center in the amount of 1,135,600.00, as presented. The bid was accepted all in favor.
A resolution that will allow the BOE to be an authorizer for Charter Schools was approved.
“Basically, we have the opportunity to review the application, any application, for charter schools before they can apply and be approved,” Tidmore said.
The board approved the personnel report then spotlighted the system’s newest employees.
The board recommend the approval to send a letter to the State Board requesting the system’s STAR continue to be funded.
