The Salem Community High School Board has approved a five-year extension of the school resource officer program.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says the officer has been very valuable to the school.
“There’s just a little bit more comfort knowing that you have a full-time police officer,” Detering said. “More than that, Officer Vieira has become an integral part of the SCHS family and fabric. The relationships that he has with the kids is phenomenal and we’d be absolutely remiss if we didn’t continue that program. It’s yielded such positive results and benefits. We’re thankful for the relationship we have with the city that was put in place a long time ago.”
The agreement calls for the Salem Grade and High School Districts to pay 75-percent of the two school resource officers with the city picking up the other 25-percent. The Salem Grade School District has already approved the five-year extension. It is expected to come before the city council at its next meeting on August 4th.
The board approved the student handbook for the coming year. It includes a new cell phone policy that will require students to place their cell phones in a container when entering each class. The goal is to eliminate the distraction of the phones during class time. Students will still be able to use their phones between classes, at lunch and during study halls.
The board approved a new two-year contract with Pepsi Mid-America. They haven’t been pleased with service, but noted Coke didn’t present a bid. They will require Pepsi to replace some coolers that they haven’t responded to service.
The board purchased a maintenance work truck from Schmidt Ford for $44,110.
The board will keep the E-Learning plan the same, allowing for five days of E-Learning each school year in place of regular attendance days if needed for weather or other issues.
In personnel news, the board employed Jim Raver as bus driver for the coming school year pending licensure. Sherry Hargis was hired as assistant cross-country coach.
