North Clay Discusses Proposed Athletic Policy Revisions

North Clay school board members Thursday heard a report from the committee formed to review the district's Athletic Handbook for next school year.

Principal Penny Arnold said the committee met several times.  There are 10 people on the committee: students Sidney Smith and Colt Bible, teacher and coach Leigh Williams, coach Jason Lewis, parents Kevin Hammond, Lee Ron Wiley and Craig Clifton, acting Athletic Director Arnita Fender and Arnold.

Superintendent Monty Aldrich said the main point of emphasis of the committee's proposal was to change the penalty for a first infraction from the current guideline to "90 calendar days from the time of the infraction for all extracurriculars, plus a minimum of five events in the next sport."  The significant changes would potentially be going from a one-year penalty, then to a one-third of each sport penalty, to now a proposed 90-day penalty.  Also of significance would be that all extracurriculars including clubs, organizations, dance courts, class officers and the like would fall under the provisions of the policy.

A shortened version of the entire policy that was voted in place before the December 23, 2013 decision to revert to the original policy would be included, along with keeping in place the changed policy from this past fall.

After discussion, the Board decided to table the issue until the June meeting where they could potentially make changes or stay with the current policy and vote to place whatever is decided on for first reading for possible adoption at the July board meeting.  There was concern that a final policy needed to be in place before registration begins on July 16 so that parents and guardians could sign off on a revised policy.

Also Thursday, the North Clay board heard from Jonathan Smith, a parent of a North Clay student, who spoke about his son not being allowed to go on a trip to Holiday World.  After his presentation and questioning by board members, the Board decided to discuss the matter in closed session and report to Smith.

A vote on amending the current fiscal year budget that was on the agenda was not necessary, as the item projected to go over its fund limit didn't exceed the limit.

The Board approved the schedule of fees for next school year.  There will be no increase in book rental fees as long as payment is made at or before registration.  If paid after registration, there will be an additional charge to register.  Also discussed was unpaid fees and outstanding balances due from those who have not paid this school year's registration fees.  Fees will be posted soon on the District's website and in upcoming editions of the Louisville newspaper.

North Clay board members reappointed Cheryl Kuhlig as district treasurer for the next two years, accepted the resignation of Rick Hays as Special Education teacher as of the end of the school year, accepted the resignation of Arnita Fender as junior high assistant volleyball coach as of the end of the school year, hired Nicole Lewis as junior high cheerleading sponsor effective at the end of the school year, accepted the resignation of Kyla Hall as head junior high softball coach as of the end of the school year, hired Jennifer Iffert as elementary Reading teacher for next school year, accepted the resignation of Derek Bible as evening custodian but to retain him as a substitute custodian, and hired Jason Lewis as fifth and sixth grade basketball coach for next school year.

Board members also held extensive discussion and deliberation and then voted to continue Years Two through Five on Aldrich's contract with defined salary increases set for each of the years with the motion passing 4-1 with Ballard voting against the motion.

Aldrich reported that he attended an annexation and detachment hearing in Olney and that the Regional Board of Trustees approved an annexation into the North Clay district on a 5-1 vote.  Aldrich also reported on the financial status of the North Clay Academic Foundation.  Membership has been over 50 strong each of the last several years, and the Foundation has been able to purchase $25,406 worth of iPads and computers for North Clay students through the contributions.  Other purchases and activities have been sponsored, as well.  A membership drive with letters being mailed will be underway soon for the upcoming school year.  For more information, phone the North Clay Unit office at 665-3358.