The Kennett School Board approved an upgrade to the weapons and drugs policy, but not without extensive dialogue about the nature of enforcement applied to violating students.
Policy Committee Chairman Don Kohler announced the details of the two policies at the Board’s meeting on May 8. These resolutions were then tabled by Assistant Superintendent Michael Barber and approved by the Board.
Kohler introduced these themes as “not an easy fix.”
The Code defines weapons as knives, cutting instruments, firearms, and other devices capable of causing bodily harm. But it also includes “replicas” of weapons, which could cast doubt on things like squirt guns and butter knives.
The policy stipulates that the board will “expulse” students found in possession of “weapons” for at least one year.
Kohler advised further talks with local law enforcement to determine exactly what the weapon replicas were.
“We don’t want to be accused of arbitrarily mishandling our students. …Because what’s a replica? Pointed like a gun? We don’t want to go down that rabbit hole.” he said.
The policy includes language that “the Superintendent may recommend modification of such expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis.”
Board member Ethan Kramer questioned the phrase “shall be expelled” and said it would be more appropriate to say “may be expelled.”
Kohler referred to the discretion clause given to superintendents in the text, but Cramer claimed he was still uncomfortable with it.
Superintendent Dusty Blakey assured Mr Kramer and other board members that he would meet monthly with Kennett Square police chief William Holdsworth in case of legal problems. He added that the main purpose of the weapons regulation is to ensure the safety of students.
This was followed by a discussion on drug policy.
The drug policy prohibits possession and distribution of illegal mind-altering drugs and being under the influence of drugs in schools.
“Students who violate this prohibition are subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion and referral to prosecution,” the policy states.
However, “The Superintendent may recommend to the Board any action it deems reasonable and necessary to curb such abuse, even if such recommendation exceeds the minimum standards of this policy. ” adds. The Board may require participation in drug counseling. ”
The policy also stipulates that superintendents will contact police as well as parents and guardians of offending students.
Kramer said he felt more comfortable with drug policy language than arms policy. “Never take away discretion,” he said.
Both documents are long and contain detailed explanations and definitions. Kohler explained that they contain language consistent with regulations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
At its meeting, the Board approved a motion to renew Dusty Blakey’s contract as district superintendent and to reappoint him to the office. The deal has been negotiated between Blakey and the board, with a board meeting scheduled for July 10 to vote to approve the new deal.
The Board also approved the renewal of the contract of District Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mark Tracy, who has been with the district for 22 years.
