Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 16, 2007)
The INDEPENDENT, August 16, 2007 30th year for Echoing Evergreens Chalk Talk Chalk Talk is a monthly column of information about Vernonia schools. It is written by various staff mem- bers. This column was written by Superintendent Ken- neth W. Cox, PhD. Patrons of the Vernonia School District: Much has been said in the media and within our community about the recent citation of Mr. Miller, principal of Washington Grade School, and his future with the Vernonia School District. I would like to make sure that the facts are cor- rectly represented and will attempt to summarize some of them here. 1. Mr. Miller was cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, which is a violation in the State of Oregon (ORS 475.864(2)) and is not a criminal offense. 2. Mr. Miller openly admitted to the officer who confronted him that he had been smoking mari- juana. 3. Mr. Miller has dealt with the legal ramifica- tions of his actions through the appropriate legal channels. 4. I have reported Mr. Miller’s actions to the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission in Salem, even though it does not appear that this offense will have an impact on his administrative license. The Vernonia School District has three poli- cies in place that address the use of drugs by students or staff. Full copies of these policies will be placed on our district website (www.vernon ia.k12.or.us) for your review. Some relevant ex- cerpts have been included here. Policy GBEC – Employer and Employee Re- sponsibility Regarding Drugs and Alcohol: “It is the policy of the district to prohibit the use or presence of illegal drugs, controlled sub- stances, or alcohol in the workplace.” “Off-duty misconduct that adversely affects the effectiveness of the employee’s job perform- ance may result in discipline.” “Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Vi- olations of this policy shall result in appropriate disciplinary action.” Policy JFCH – Substance/Drug Abuse: “Substance abuse or the possession, use, sale or supply of an unlawful drug, including drug paraphernalia, or any substance purported to be an unlawful drug on or near the district premises or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibit- ed.” Policy JFCI – Student Drug Testing “Vernonia School District 47J is conducting a mandatory drug testing program for student ath- letes. Its purpose is threefold: (1) to provide for the health and safety of all student athletes; (2) to undermine the effects of peer pressure by pro- viding a legitimate reason for student athletes to refuse to use illegal drugs; and (3) to encourage stu- dent athletes who use drugs to participate in drug treatment programs.” Students who test positive are subject to sus- pension from participating for ten, twenty, or ninety days or more, depending on whether it is their first, second, or third offense during their high school career. In addition they must com- plete a district-approved diversion/intervention program. Students are not penalized academi- cally for testing positive and test results are not shared with criminal or juvenile authorities un- less the district is under court order to share such information. As indicated in my previous statement, before making any decision I examined the facts that were at my disposal concerning this incident, consulted with our district’s attorney and fol- lowed district policy. Because this is a district personnel issue, I could not discuss any details of the consequences that Mr. Miller would face; however, since he has made the following pub- lic, I can share with you that I have administered appropriate disciplinary sanctions against Mr. Miller, which include random drug testing, a sig- nificant salary reduction, and insistence on his participation in, and satisfactory completion of, a drug rehabilitation program. I and the Board be- lieve that these consequences are appropriate under the current circumstances. In addition to this discipline, I am recommend- ing that the school board conduct a full review of all district policies that relate to drug and alcohol use by both students and staff. This review would include input from students, staff and community members. I have also begun devel- oping a random drug-testing program for admin- istrators and will present it for board approval at the next board meeting. While I believe that I have dealt with this mat- ter in a professional and appropriate manner, I recognize that some do not agree with my deci- sion. It was a difficult decision and I understand that some may still have concerns. In an effort to understand and resolve those concerns, I wel- come a visit by any district patron who would like to share their concerns with me. It is my hope that through communication, a genuine effort to understand each other, and patience we can move forward as a district and as a community. Sincerely, Kenneth W. Cox, PhD Superintendent Be ready: Fall sports start next week Student athletes interested in participating in a fall sport at Vernonia High School are be- ing reminded that all forms must be turned in to the school office before practices begin on August 20. The required forms are the Code of Conduct (must be signed by parent and athlete), Proof of Insurance form, and Page 11 Physical form for incoming freshmen, juniors or any athlete who has not had a physical in the past two years. The above forms may be picked up at the high school of- fice. Also, all fees are to be paid before turning out for a sport, including pay-to-play fees, tow- el fees, and any outstanding bills from previous years. There is also a change in the scrimmage night for Varsity Football. It will be Friday, Au- gust 24, with pictures beginning at 4:00 p.m. Parents are wel- come to take pictures of the team or individual athletes. The blue and gold scrimmage will begin at 5:00 p.m. What did kids from Vernonia and Mist do the week after Jamboree? Many went to Echoing Evergreens Vernonia Booster Club Day Camp, held August 6-10, at Camp Wilker- son. The yearly camp is staffed by all volunteers, accepts all school age children (there is a fee to attend), and runs as a day camp Monday through Fri- day, with an overnight stay for children in fourth through sixth grades on Thursday. Many volunteers, such as Vernonian Sue Robertson, first came to camp with their chil- dren. Some came to camp themselves when they were young. This year was the camp’s 30th year. Over the years, it has been held most of- ten at Camp Wilkerson, but also had a year at Cedar Ridge and two years at Mist Grade School. This year, 282 children at- tended camp. Each age group, with boys and girls separated, has one adult counselor and one aide (from grades seven through 12). There were 16 ‘stations’ with different activi- ties, ranging from making rock necklaces to building suet bird feeders. There were skits and songs and healthy lunches and snacks. At one activity station, chil- dren who will be entering Kindergarten this fall were wrapping yarn around pens, then decorating journals made of folded paper bags held to- gether with yarn. The attendees decorate the adirondack shelters in the theme for their group and there are different themes for differ- ent days, Thursday was ‘50s day, for instance. A lot of effort and energy goes into the camp so all the children attending can have a great time, and learn a few things, too. Midway Veterinary Clinic Senior Discounts Open in Vernonia Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call for appointments 503-429-1612 805 Bridge Street Vernonia Small and Large Animals
