ALTUS-A new policy adopted by the Altus Public School Board may have some kids wondering whether or not they received a sweet deal.
The new policy states that the board supports increased emphasis on nutrition as well as physical activity at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of the district's youth. Under the policy, food items sold on school campuses must follow this criteria: Foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) are prohibited from being sold or served during student meal services in the food services area where USDA reimbursable meals are served or eaten. Students in elementary schools will not have access to FMNV except on special occasions. Diet soda and FMNV will be available for sale at the junior high only in vending areas outside of the cafeteria. Middle school and junior high students will not have access to FMNV except after school at events which take place in the evening and on special occasions. Healthy food options will be provided at the high school and priced lower than FMNV in order to encourage students and staff to make healthier food choices.
“When you look at the actual policy, most of it is required by the state and federal,” said Assistant Superintendent Bruce May. “There will be some restrictions on foods with minimal nutritional value defined by the USDA.”
Students will be offered nutritional foods in their vending machines to include: canned fruits, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fruit juice, pretzels, low sugar cereals, low fat crackers, nonfat yogurt, etc. The policy was a requirement of the USDA and the State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and had to be established no later than July 1. For more information, contact the Board of Education.
In other news, following a motion made by Darrell Moss and seconded by Phil Marcha, the board approved a proposal to purchase two 1997 Van Hool charter buses. One of the buses will serve as a replacement for the bus that was damaged in a fire. According to John Redelsperger, the bus was totaled from the fire, however the insurance will reimburse the school district $135,000 for the cost of another bus. After all is said and done, the school district will be out approximately $124,000 for the purchase of the charters.
The board also approved the installation of insulation to the roof of the Altus High School gymnasium. The insulation will help to cool the gym in the summer.
Comments from the public came from Victoria Cano, who is the mother of 7-year-old George Butler. Butler was a first grade student at Washington Elementary. Cano said she had been disappointed because of the way her son had been treated. According to Cano, the child was handcuffed at Washington Elementary and taken to jail.
“They put him on probation,” Cano said. “They took a mug shot and read him his rights. He's been going to counseling and tutoring. I was very upset; I wanted to take him out of school. I was told I couldn't because I'd be put in jail because I can't take him out of school.”
According to Cano, the child had behavior problems and a learning disability. She says that at other times he was handcuffed by his wrists and ankles and taken by the police. She says her child is afraid to go to school because he thinks he is going to go to jail. The case is now in district court.
Under the superintendent report and comments, Superintendent Bob Drury recognized athletic teams that have received Academic Achievement Certificates. The certificates were given to the girls soccer team, girls and boys golf teams and boys tennis team.
“All year long we have stressed putting academics first, and it attests to the players and coaches that we achieved so many academic achievements,” said Athletic Director Rick Roop. “The boy's track team were the Academic All-State this year for the second year in a row. Coach Johnson and his staff, as well as the boys track team should be commended for its academic success as well.”
Members present were Dr. John Thomas, Darrell Moss, Linda Buxton and Phil Marcha.
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