Lincoln Community High School officials Monday night decided that "a responsible adult" must accompany and monitor all junior high and elementary students to home football games.

 

Proposed by the board's extracurricular committee, the policy seeks to address unsupervised grade and junior high students milling about Handlin Field rather than staying in bleacher seating at home football games.

No specific incidents were cited as triggering the new policy. Students affected by the policy will be asked on admission to point out the responsible adult with them, school officials said.

The policy will be implemented on a one-year trial basis for the coming school year.

Specific areas of concern, they said, include the grassy area between the main gate and main bleachers and the visitors' side entry.

By 6-0 vote, board members approved issuing $4.46 million in bonds - $3 million in life-safety funds for school improvements over the next three years as previously decided, $1.1 million for working cash funds and $250,000 in escrow funds.

Board members accepted the resignation effective immediately of board two-year member Tony Barr of Beason, who cited job and family commitments that "do not presently allow him adequate time to serve on this board," according to a statement read by board President Rick Hobler.

Hobler said Barr "wants to do everything he does well and in line with his priorities. At this time in his life, his family and work need to take priority over his public service to this school district. I admire him for his decision."

State school code allows boards up to 45 days to fill a vacancy, after which the regional superintendent has that authority, school officials said.

Anyone interested in filling the vacancy can obtain information and apply through the superintendent's office. The board will appoint the new member at its June meeting.

Hobler is the lone incumbent among five candidates seeking three seats to be filled via today's election. Also vying for the seats are Reatha Owen, David Welch, Marianne Krusz and Dennis D. Wilson Sr. Incumbents Bridget Schneider and Scott Goodman did not seek reelection.

Board members Monday scheduled 6 p.m. April 30 to orient the new board members, followed by a 7 p.m. May 2 meeting to organize itself.