SA reviews policy changes

BERNE — Requirements for training for South Adams coaches will be expanded.
South Adams School Board approved on first reading Tuesday at a special meeting, which followed a work session, a requirement that all coaches receive training for concussions and sudden cardiac arrest among a variety of policy changes. The new policies will need to be approved on second reading at the board’s Oct. 14 meeting before going into effect.
The board also discussed the 2015-16 school calendar.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has added the concussion and cardiac arrest training to its requirements for coaches, with the new rules to take effect in July. Superintendent Scott Litwiller noted that all coaches of winter sports at South Adams will go through the training this year.
The new policy would also require that students and parents/guardians receive information about concussions and cardiac arrest prior to each season and return a signed form prior to beginning practice. Also, any athlete who shows symptoms of cardiac arrest must be immediately pulled from play, and his or her parents must be notified.
Other policy changes, which were made to bring the corporation in line with state law or recommended language, included that:
•Properly-licensed firearms are allowed on school property if they are kept concealed in the owner’s vehicle. This rule does not apply to students, who may not have firearms on campus.
•Students must be allowed up to five days of unexcused absence to attend Indiana State Fair if they or a family member have an exhibit at the event.
•Initial superintendent and principal contracts must be for a minimum of three and two years respectively.
•CPR become mandatory curriculum in high school health classes.
•Changes to the superintendent’s contract must be posted online at least 10 days before a public hearing on the issue.
•Staff members must get approval before using social media for education purposes.
Board members Arlene Amstutz, John Mann, Ray Gill, Julie Mansfield and Landon Patterson unanimously approved the new policies on first reading with Amy Orr and John Buckingham absent.
They also tabled discussion of several proposed changes, including whether or not to continue allowing games of chance — bingo, raffles, etc. — to be used as school fundraisers. The state now requires that if those games are allowed, the school corporation must be appropriately licensed through the state gaming commission.
More time is needed for attorneys to review the requirements and their effects before the board makes a decision, Litwiller said.
The superintendent also reported that a survey of parents has shown a majority are against changes in the school calendar that would create a week-long fall break while requiring an earlier start date and/or shorter winter break. Teachers have expressed similar sentiments, he said.
He noted that the North Adams and Adams Central school districts, which work together along with South Adams and Jay County to keep their calendars aligned to accommodate students who travel between schools for vocational programs, are in favor of the idea.
A compromise calendar, which would leave the start date and length of winter break the same, include a week-long fall break and extend the school year by two days, is a possibility, Litwiller said. He asked board members to take the options into consideration with the hope that a calendar can be approved at their November meeting.
In other business, the board:
•Tabled a request from the Fort Recovery High School swim team to rent the SAHS pool for use as a practice facility. Litwiller asked the board to consider the request and a possible rental rate for discussion at its next meeting.
•Heard a reminder from Litwiller that the Indiana School Boards Association Region 3 fall meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Fort Wayne.