The Poplar Bluff R1 School Board discussed the results of a parent poll regarding the proposed policy to ban cell phone use for students in the district.
Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman reported that out of the 922 respondents to the poll, almost 75% replied that they either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that “cell phone usage is a growing concern among our youth.”
However, those who responded were split on the idea of a campus-wide cell phone ban, with 50.9% opposed and 49.1% in favor of a ban.
Furthermore, only 38.2% of respondents expressed interest in attending a community forum to further discuss the issue.
The board expressed the need for further discussion on the issue, including the possibility of making students who violate cell phone usage place their phone in a secure Yondr Pouch for the rest of the day while not requiring all students to secure phones in the no-access pouch.
It is unclear at this time what course the district will pursue, as one of the things they feel is necessary is parent support for whatever requirements are adopted.
One additional issue that Cornman presented to the board regarded security at district schools.
With the recent threats at neighboring schools taking place, Cornman said that alternatives to metal detectors are weapons detectors, which can be calibrated to specifically detect heavy mass objects such as firearms or knives might be a good option for Poplar Bluff schools.
Cornman related his experience at a Missouri school that uses these devices, and he said that hundreds of students were able to move through the devices in no more than five minutes. These detectors are portable and could be used in many different locations.
The board expressed interest in pursuing more information about the weapons detectors, and Cornman said he would put together a proposal with quantities and prices for a future meeting.
Brian Taylor, president of the Athletic Booster Club, presented their annual report, in which he stated the club spent a little more than $50,000 in support of Mules athletics. Many of these expenses helped provide new uniforms for a variety of girls and boys sports.
Dr. Leigh Ann Cornman, director of the Technical Career Center, recommended that the board vote to add Clearwater High School as a member of the TCC Consortium. The board approved the addition.
The board approved three bid proposals, including a Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner bid of $32,362 from Amalgamated Services, Inc., and the district copy paper bid of $24,544.80 from Contract Paper Group.
The board also approved a $70,200 bid from Larry Hillis for a Central Office SUV and one work truck, plus a $22,500 bid from Robertson Auto for a second work truck.
Jon McKinney, Director of Transportation, reported that the department recently received a $1.5 million reimbursement from the state for transportation expenses, which is the largest reimbursement in district history.
The next scheduled Board of Education meeting will be Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.