by Brittany Snapp

Staff Writer

The Durant ISD Board of Education met during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday to discuss the adoption of new or revised school policies.

New policies implemented were professional conduct by staff, use of internet and social networks and other forms of communication, physical restraints of students with disabilities, seclusion of students with disabilities, complaint procedures under Part B of the IDEA and wireless telecommunications devices of employees. All policies recommended by Superintendent Jason Simeroth were accepted unanimously by the board. The school board also discussed the proposed operating budget for the fiscal year 2012. While Dr. Simeroth said the district would be receiving much less funding than previous years, the school district was being “cautious and proactive.” In other news, the board voted to approve making Durant Public Schools a participant in Durant’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dr. Simeroth said, “This will allow us to apply for funding and have safe rooms in our schools.”

The board received an update on the completion of the new high school. Construction on the high school should be finished by the end of October and the district is hoping to hold the grand opening in early November.

The board approved the following new hires: Sarah Phillips, fourth grade teacher at Durant Intermediate School; Randi Nabors, Sherri Anderson, B.J. Albright, April Clark and Alisha Ridenour, tutors in the Indian Education After School Tutoring Program; Tabitha Leslie, Kimberly McQuigg and Tony Robinson, custodians; and Michelle Cowen, Linda Young and Veronica Scott, child nutrition employees. The following substitutes were approved: Kevin Caslava, Belinda Riggs, Rebecca Riisness, Sammy Adams and Sharmon Warren.