Thursday, March 28, 2024

Action delayed on GISD substance abuse policy

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Emotional discussion of possible changes to the Gatesville Independent School District's substance abuse policy led the GISD Board of Trustees delaying action for further consideration – possibly in May.

"We have been on a three-strike system and there is a proposal for a four-strike system, with the addition of a physical regimen (supervised exercise) community service and the assignment of a mentor," said GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard.

Under the proposal, a student receiving his or her third strike under the substance abuse policy would receive a one-year rather than a permanent ban (from extracurricular activities).

Pollard said while drug testing is random for all students participating in extracurricular activities – ranging from athletics to music and theater to showing livestock through FFA – a student could be scheduled for testing if there was reasonable suspicion.

"Those are the major changes (proposed)," Pollard said.

Board member Cheyenne Kizer expressed her support.

"I like it – adding the community service and physical regimen (to the policy)," she said.

Board member Calvin Ford also expressed his support for the public service requirement.

Board member Jimmie Ferguson questioned why the district would consider adding a fourth strike instead of keeping the current three-strike system in place.

"It was considered more proactive – some (GISD staff) felt this was more fair," Pollard said. "Some districts give students six or seven strikes or clean the slate when a student moves from junior high to high school – we didn't want to do that.

"I didn't want it to get too watered down, and this is still stringent."

Ferguson asked if rule changes were being considered to make allowances for gifted athletes, saying "that's not fair."

Ford said he understood Ferguson's concerns but thought changes might benefit students.

"I get what you're saying but these are kids, and they need help," Ford said. "Some districts don't even have a policy this strict, and you've got to give kids a chance."

"Three chances are enough," Ferguson said.

He added that he is "adamantly opposed to making the policy more lenient.

"You're giving them three chances – we need to teach them responsibility," Ferguson said. "If they have another chance, kids will keep on doing what they're doing. They're not dumb."

Pollard said he was fine with whatever decision the board wanted to make.

Board President Charles Ament said when the University Interscholastic League first enacted the random drug testing policy, it had a strong impact, but over the years, its effectiveness as a deterrent seems to have diminished.

Pollard said the district works with Righteous Roots, a local crisis resource center, when a student needs help with rehabilitation.

Ament asked how many students tested positive through the GISD drug testing procedure.

"Is it six or seven, or is it 20?" he asked.

Scott Harper, assistant superintendent of administrative services for the district, said it was less than 10 out of 1,000 tests.

Pollard said there was also some debate among staff when policy changes were considered.

"The athletic director and assistant athletic director are very staunch supporters (of the current policy) and didn't want to lessen the penalties," he said. "Some of the counselors and social workers had favored the changes in order to focus on rehabilitation.

"I think our current system is good, I don't see any holes."

Pollard suggested the item be tabled, meaning no action be taken and the proposal be added to a future board agenda.

"The issue for me – is this going to help solve our problem?" Ament asked.

"It's an age-old problem – how do you solve it?" Pollard said. "It's like trying to stop all sin."

Kizer said it was getting help that would help students, not adding an extra chance.

"I've looked at other districts, and felt like Gatesville is one of the strictest ones," Ford said.

Board member Linda Maxwell said it wasn't just a matter of the impact the policy has on a student's school year, but on his or her life.

"You're dealing with kids, whose mindset is not like adults," Ford said. “I see so many kids I work with, and my motto is to do what's best for the kids. I don't want to throw them away, because if you throw them away, they're done."

"It's a hot-button topic," Pollard said. "If we had a crystal ball for the best outcome, we'd choose it every time."