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LISD Considers New Drug Policy

During the regular business meeting, December 13, the LISD Board agreed to consider "revisiting" the drug testing policy for the school district.

After a great deal of discussion was held by the board on the failing rate and lack of motivation among many of the students, Board President Bernie Ford said, "I believe it is time to look at an all volunteer drug policy. I think we could adopt a type of policy that would call for parents approval to test their child. Everybody (who had given permission) would be tested at first and then it would be random testing after that.

"The drug testing company has said they could turn over all positive test results directly to the parents. The school would not be involved with the results at all. All we would offer would be the tests and we would also direct parents to counseling if requested."

"This would just be a tool for parents," said Board Member John Quebe. "All the same arguments we used the first time we implemented drug testing would apply to this policy."

"I think we could ask our principals to work out recommendations for a policy and bring it to us," said Trustee Dan Smith.

"I also think we should have a public meeting and discuss this with parents," said Ford. "We need to make this a parent driven policy instead of a school driven policy."

Superintendent Raymond Lusk agreed to check with other districts who had implemented "all volunteer" testing and present their ideas to the school board. The recommendations will be presented to the board at the next meeting.

The Board also adopted new student improvement programs for the High School and Junior High campuses that will involve late starting times on Fridays for students in good standing.

After a great deal of discussion the Board agreed to the following suggestions from Principal Poole and Ellison.

Beginning in January (after the holidays) at the high school, Monday thru Thursday, class will remain the same as they are now.

On Fridays first period will begin at 9:30 a.m. for students in good standing (passing, no zeros, good attitude, and no outstanding assignments).

Students not in good standing will report to school at 8:00 a.m. for tutorials. There will be three sections of 30 minutes each. Poole will do a schedule for each students at the beginning of each 3-week period.

Students must remain in tutorial for three weeks. If they correct everything then they may get out.

Students may be put in tutorial at any time by teachers or principal.

Teachers will not accept zeros on homework or class work. Work not turned in within the required time will result in a zero, but the student will be placed in tutorial to complete the assignment. The work must be acceptable work and the most the student could receive would be a 70.

"We have already given out 373 zeros for the past 6 week period," said Poole. "A lot of the work is not getting done. Those kids just tell the teacher, 'Give me a zero'.

"Progress reports were sent mailed out to 45% of the 208 students. Progress reports are sent to students who are failing or having problems.

"I run the Detention hall," continued Poole. "I make them bring their work. I make them look up vocabulary words. There are some that come in and you can hardly get them to do anything.

"It is easy to see the problems that the teachers are having. I've talked to other principals and they say they are having the same type of problems.

"In the 24 years I've been principal this is the worst I've ever seen it."

When asked what he thought was the cause of this attitude, Poole said, "A lot of it comes from the home--but a lot of it could be drugs.

Poole made it clear to the board that the students were not bringing the drugs to school. "They are bringing the drugs to school in their bodies. The campus is clean.

"The drug dog will alert to cars but there won't be any drugs in the car--just the smell from when it was there.

"Among some kids the attitude is 100% different from last year. The teachers are told--'you can't do anything.'"

In the Junior High, Principal Terry Ellison recommended the same type of program as Poole.

Ellison said in the first six weeks of school, 30 students had failed one or more classes. In the second six weeks, 36 students had failed one or more.

"In the last 3 weeks we have sent home 83 progress reports,"said Ellison. "Some of those had grades of 71 or 72 and we just sent the progress report as a warning."

Ellison said students who are passing but who ride the bus, and must come to school before 9:30 a.m., will go to an assigned area and remain there until regular class starts at 9:30 a.m.

"We want this to be a positive program," said Lusk. "We want to show the kids that we care. We have to demand the work be done and not back off from expectation level--but have a positive attitude."

"If this new policy does not work it will not be a major thing to change it," said Poole. "But if it does work we will be back asking to do it again."

Trustee Aaron Wilson suggested to the principals that the teachers consider sending out progress reports to all students so the students and parents could see where the student stands in his grades.

"This could help the students with better grades go up in their grades," said Wilson. "Most students always think they are doing better than they actually are."

The board directed the principals to send progress reports every two weeks to students in grades 6-12.

LISD's financial report showed a balance of $4,304,192 in cash and investments as of Dec. 14, 2001.

The 2001 Audit Report was presented to the board by Greg Gilbert of Bollinger, Seagers, Gilbert and Moss.A The report showed Lockney ISD to be in full compliance with all laws and accounting standards for public schools.

Auditor Gives Good Grades to FISD

By Darwin Robinson

The Floydada Independent School District Board met Thursday, December 13, and heard, and unanimously approved, a detailed audit report by Ken Robison of Robison, Johnston and Patton, a CPA firm from Lubbock. Board Member Kerry Pratt made the approval motion and it was seconded by Board Member Amado Morales.

Robinson told the board, "You had about a 'break even' year (financially)." The financial report audited by Robison's firm for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2001, showed a General Fund Cash Balance of $2,294,970, a Special Revenue Cash Fund of $854,773, a Proprietary Cash Fund of $1,240, and a Fiduciary Cash Fund of $29,327. The 2001 Ending Total Cash Fund Balance was $3,180,310, as compared to the 2000 Ending Total Cash Fund Balance of $2,878,518.

Robison said, "FISD needs to have a good General Fund balance because of the uncertain times we are in today. You showed $2,626,701 in Total Assets in the General Fund with $756,903 in Total Liabilities. Also, FISD had a total of $1,869,798 in the Reserved and Unreserved Fund, which is $19,404 in excess of what you had last year.

"'Breaking even' is excellent in where you stand in today's economy and with the things that are happening. You always need to be very careful about your Fund Balance. I have always considered that you need from three to six months in your Active Fund Balance. This will always give you that many months of operating expenses. You should have that because it takes about $650,000 a month to run this district.

"All of your Fund Balances are a little less than three months of operating expenses. You are working on the bottom border of where I think you ought to be. Education is an area where the Texas legislature is always trying to save money. This is a battle you will always have to fight concerning reducing the cost of education and with state funding," Robison concluded.

In other matters, the board unanimously approved a resolution to participate in the Chapman Forestry Foundation Tree Planting matching grant of $5,000 for landscaping trees at A.B. Duncan Elementary school. The motion was made by Board President Mitch Probasco and seconded by Board Member Bill Dean.

Board Member Pratt made the motion to approve the Annual Performance Report, AEIS Goals, Objectives and Discipline Report as previously presented and recommended by Superintendent Jimmie Collins. It was seconded by Board Member Morales and unanimously passed.

FISD Technology and Federal Program Director Rex Holcombe presented to the board the District and Campus Improvement Plans for each individual school to be achieved by the end of the 2001-2002 school year.

Some of the major District Goals Holcombe emphasized to the board were: (1) an 80 percent, or better, Passing Rate on the TAAS tests; (2) a 94 percent, or better, Attendance Performance (the minimum necessary to reach Exemplary status); (3) establish a school climate conducive to students reaching their greatest potential; (4) provide appropriate technology to enhance curriculum, for students, teachers, and administrators; (5) implement procedures to enhance staffing patterns; and (6) actively involve parents and community to benefit the education of all students.

Board Member Pratt made the motion to approve the Improvement Plans. It was seconded by Board Secretary Bill Dean and unanimously passed.

The board approved the Update 67 for the Board Policy Manual and they accepted the resignation of Music Teacher Elizabeth Ann Brumley.

FJHS Principal Clinton Smith introduced FJHS Math Teacher John Bates as the "Teacher of the Month." Smith said, "Bates is a valuable asset to our school. His 7th grade class has the highest math scores in the school. He works with the students, faculty, and parents. Bates works very hard on the TAAS scores and creates a very positive atmosphere."

Retiring Superintendent Jimmie Collins told the board, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to work with you for these 23 years and for all these things we have accomplished together. I appreciate Sharon (Rainwater) and her working with me over these years."

Lockney Stock Show To Be Held January 4th

Lockney's local 4-H and FFA Stock Show will be held Saturday, January 5, at the Unity Center.

The entry fee will be $10.00 per animal.

Bailey County Extension Agent Curtis Preston will judge. Plaques will be awarded to breed champion and grand champions. All participants will receive a T-shirt.

The hog show will start at 9:00 a.m. followed by lambs, heifers, and steers. The showmanship show will finish off the evening.

The barn will be open on Friday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m. for animals.

The County Stock Show will be held January 9-12 at the Unity Center.

OBITUARIES

ADELE NORMAN GLEASON

Services for Adele Norman Gleason, 85, of Amarillo were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2001 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Officiating was Dr. David Evans, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. Burial was in Llano Cemetery under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

She died Wednesday, December 12, 2001 in Amarillo.

Mrs. Gleason was born January 3, 1916, in Post Oak, Texas to Samuel Garrett and Louisa Melinda Williams McRoberts, pioneer Jack County Texas residents.

Mrs. Gleason was a longtime resident of Amarillo and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Amarillo where she served on many committees, assisted in the church office, and in the Sunday School Department.

She graduated from Floydada High School in 1933 and married Verner C. Norman on November 5, 1933 in Floydada. He preceded her in death in 1979. She was on staff in the general offices of the Continental Panhandle Trailways in Amarillo for many years until her retirement in 1985. She married Jack N. Gleason in Amarillo on March 22, 1986.

She is survived by her husband Jack N. Gleason of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Sammye Norman Mantooth of Lubbock; two stepsons, James N. Gleason and David Gleason of Amarillo; one sister, Mrs. Amy Patton of Snyder; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a step great-granddaughter.

W. TROY LEMLEY

Memorial services for W. Troy Lemley, 73, were at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2001 in First United Methodist Church at Clarendon with the Rev. James Ivey Edwards officiating. Cremation arrangements were made by Rector Funeral Home.

He died Saturday, December 15, 2001.

Coach Troy Lemley retired from a 38-year teaching and coaching career in 1987. His last season coaching was the last year Phillips High School fielded a basketball team; not coincidentally, that was also the last year a son played for him.

His final season concluded a 14-year stretch during which at least one of his sons played on his teams at Hedley and Phillips. He was a Crosbyton native and coached at McAdoo, Smyer, Springlake-Earth, Lockney, Aspermont, Hedley and for the last nine years, at Phillips.

He compiled a 626-295 record in his coaching career. He was not only proud of his teams' winning records, but was very proud of the success of his many students and players in their careers and endeavors.

Survivors include his wife, Midge; a daughter, Amy Lemley of Wichita, Kan; four sons, John Lemley of Stillwater, Okla, Joe Lemley of Clarendon, Ben Lemley of Amarillo and Vic Lemley of Opelousas, La; and eight grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be to the American Heart Association, or to a favorite charity.

JOHN LESCUER

Graveside services for John Lescuer, 84, of Floydada, were at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2001 at Floyd County Memorial Park with Reverend Ralph Jackson officiating. Services were under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada.

Mr. Lescuer died Thursday, December 13, 2001 at Floydada Rehabilitation and Care Center.

He was born on February 15, 1917 and was a lifelong resident of Floydada. He was a self-employed bricklayer and was a veteran having served during World War II.

He is survived by a son, Gerald Ledbetter of Memphis; and two grandchildren.

JAMES WARREN

Graveside services for James Warren, 60, of Pampa were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at Floydada Cemetery with Ron Huckeby officiating.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Lemons Funeral Home of Plainview.

He died Saturday, December 16, 2001.

He was born November 11, 1941, in Floydada, where he grew up. He moved to Plainview, where he managed the Plainview bus station for five years. He was self-employed in yard maintenance in Plainview.

Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Johnson of Plainview; a son, Darren of Lubbock; a brother, Virgil of Weatherford; three sisters, Jane Graham and Jean Adams, both of Plainview, and Maxine Williams of Amarillo; and two grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to BSA Hospice in Amarillo.

MARGARET WELTY

Graveside services for Margaret Lee Welty, 66, of Plainview were at 2 p.m. Monday, December 17, 2001 at Ralls Cemetery with the Rev. Don Robertson officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls.

She died Saturday, December 15, 2001.

She was born July 19, 1935. She was a Baptist and an in-home personal care-giver. She was a lifelong resident of the South Plains.

She was preceded in death by a son, Doug Stevens.

Survivors include a son, Raymond Zant of Leadville, Colo; six daughters, Jackie Warren of Plainview, Jerri Thompson of South Carolina, Jodi Williamson of Leadville, Toni Wells and Tammy Wells, both of Hereford, and Cynthia Welty of Hereford; three brothers, Jimmy Vick of Floydada, and Loyd Vick and Ernest Vick, both of Lubbock; four sisters, Mildred Owens and Janet Daves, both of Lubbock, Wanda Sue Barbara of Vidor and Rosemary Hobbs of Big Sandy; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

KAY GOLDEN WILLIAMS

Services for Kay Golden Williams, 61, of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at West College and Third Street Church of Christ in Lockney with Frank Duckworth officiating and Danny Lambert assisting. Burial followed in Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney.

Mrs. Williams died Friday, December 14, 2001 at her residence in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

She was born on April 21, 1940 in Plainview to Mrs. Gladys Carthel Golden and the late Mr. Oscar Golden. She married Jerry Williams on July 30, 1960 in Lockney. She had a Bachelors of Science, Masters of Education and a Masters of Library Science. She was a school teacher in the Lockney ISD for 20 years. She taught English and worked as the High School Librarian. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She had been the sponsor of the National Honor Society at Lockney High School. She had been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and President of the Texas Angus Association Women's Auxiliary and Adult Sponsor of the Texas Jr. Angus Association. She was a past 4-H Silver Spur Award winner due to her excellent leadership example as a 4-H sponsor.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Williams of Ruidoso, New Mexico; her mother, Gladys Golden of Lockney; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ty and Nikolyn Williams and Matt and Jean Anne Williams all of Lockney; a daughter and son-in-law, Libby and J.R. Coody of Olney; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Jill Golden of Lockney, and four grandchildren, Brazos Williams, Tylee Williams, Sunny Williams and Dixie Williams all of Lockney.

The family suggests memorials to the Kay Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o City Bank-Lockney, PO Box 308, Lockney, TX 79241-0308.

A VIEW FROM THE LAMPLIGHTER

We read an editorial the other day in the Lubbock A-J wherein the editors complained mightily about the fact that Reps. Jones of Lubbock and Walker of Plains, both Republicans, are "paired", meaning they will have to run against each other in the next election. The editors blamed what they called "Radical Republicans" living along Interstate 35 for a slight aimed at rural West Texas.

Well. Well. If the editors have a complaint, they ought to direct their ire at the U.S. Constitution, which mandates redistricting after every census, and the U.S. Federal Court system which, operating under laws passed by that sainted Democrat Lyndon Johnson, mandates that minority voters get special treatment in that redistricting.

Given the laws operating in such a situation, there is going to be unhappiness in some quarters, no matter how the districts are drawn. The simple truth is that, no matter how much unhappiness falls upon many of us, the rural areas of Texas have been losing population, and that loss will be reflected in the census, and the resulting redistricting. Those who draw the new district lines must find the numbers somewhere, and from there it is mostly a matter of politics.

For many years Texans have been voting Republican. And for many years, despite that fact, the Legislative, Senatorial and Congressional Districts have reflected the work of Democrats. The result is that while the voters have been approving Republicans on a statewide basis (and particularly here in West Texas) , voting districts have been gerrymandered by Legislative Democrats to favor their own party and shaft the Republicans. Now, the Legislative Redistricting Board, made up primarily of Republicans as a result of Texas voters' choice at the polls, has been forced to come up with a plan. The Courts have had their say as well, as has the U.S. Department of Justice. Not everybody is happy with the result. We are certainly not completely happy, but perhaps for different reasons. We certainly will lose no sleep over the potential, and probable, loss of Delwin Jones of Lubbock from the Texas Legislature. Nor will there be much loss of sleep among Republican members of the Legislature. Delwin is looked upon by other members of the Legislature as a "RINO" (Republican in name only) who looks after Delwin, first and foremost. He's one of those who switched party in order to get elected, but never switched loyalty. Many members of the Legislature believe Delwin's primary loyalty has been to House Speaker Pete Laney, and to Laney's efforts to remain Speaker. He served as chairman of Laney's Redistricting Committee, and saw to it that Laney was well protected. The fact that his handiwork did not ultimately succeed has led to a great gnashing of teeth in certain quarters, one of which, evidently, is at the Lubbock A-J.

There is a lot about the final result, as we said earlier, that we do not like. But then we were not charged with the task of drawing lines that pleased everybody from the Mexican-American Legal Defense Fund to the Texas State Democratic Party's Executive Committee, or the Republican Party's Executive Committee, or the U.S. Department of Justice, or the Federal Courts, or the A-J.

BY THE WAY

I hope everyone enjoys this Christmas edition.

A lot of work goes into it--including the work from the children who put their thoughts on paper, and the teachers who helped them.

Thank-you to everyone who had a part in this edition. Thanks to teachers, parents, staff and my family. A great big thank-you, thank-you, thank-you to the advertisers that made it possible!

For over 6 weeks we have been busy gathering ads and stories for the edition.

At the same time we have been hustling to put out the paper, our phones have been ringing off the wall with people hustling for charity.

The food drives, toy drives, and plans for the community wide Christmas dinner have taken up a lot of space in this paper. Isn't that great!

It is wonderful to live in a community where so many people put forth so much effort to bless others during the holiday season. Actually, this county is pretty good at blessing people all year long.

Times are hard and of course our future is uncertain, but I'm grateful for those around here who have not forgotten the Reason for the season.

Merry Christmas. Relax and enjoy being around the people you love.

********

While I'm thanking everyone I also want to make sure and thank the folks at First Baptist in Lockney who worked so hard on the Christmas production, "Home for Christmas".

My family and I made a point of attending this musical and we were not disappointed in the least.

It was a very professional production--thanks in a large part to the director Penny Golden and her crew.

The music was beautiful. The 1941 set was very authentic and the acting was top knotch.

Dub Hallmark and Victory Stewart moved me to tears in the scene where Hallmark thinks back on memories of his wife, and Victory worries about her husband stationed in Pearl Harbor.

Everyone in the production really blessed my heart. Thank-you very much. I can't wait to see what the church comes up with for next year's production!

© 2002, Floyd County Hesperian Beacon

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