Hartsfield resigns from School Board
By Chad Wilson

Long-time school board member John Hartsfield resigned from his position on the board during last Monday's regular scheduled BISD board meeting.

Hartsfield's resignation was immediate after eight years of service as he felt he should no longer serve on the board since he has moved out of the school district.

Before exiting the meeting Hartsfield left the board with one final message "Continue the effort, do us all proud."

With five board members remaining BISD continued the meeting and discussed several important issues.

The Board unanimously approved a 3% raise for all teachers. Board member Dusty Wise expressed his desire to give the teachers a bigger increase in pay, but at the time the budget would not allow it.

On a similar note the board approved extending the contract of football and volleyball coaches five days.

Previously the coaches contract started on August 6, but with actual working days beginning on July 25, the board approved the added five days. The five days added are July 25-26 and August 1-3.

Following a presentation from new BHS Vice Principal Jeff Howard the board approved charging students in High School $10.00 to retrieve electronic items taken up during the school day.

Some of the electronics included that are not allowed to be turned on during class time are: cell phones, Ipods, mp3 players, cd players and walkie talkies.

Once the electronic device is turned into the office by the teacher or administrator who confiscates the device the student or parent may pick the device up at the end of the day for $10.00.

The State max on such a penalty is $15.00. The was no limit set on how many times a student may have their item confiscated. All money collected will go into the student activity fund.

BISD also approved a new program called "Communities in schools" for the 2007-08 school year. This program will provide someone, a youth services coordinator, in the district to reach out to students who have no real desire for school or school work. More details on this program will be released at a later date.

August 13 will be the next regularly scheduled school board meeting. On Tuesday, August 28 there will be a special board meeting to discuss the final 06-07 budget.