Three recommendations on school discipline and violence were forwarded to the board of Weyburn School Division No. 97 on Monday night, as Barb Currie of the Parent Advisory Committee shared the results of a recent parent study.

Currie said the advisory committee examined existing policies and was impressed with what was already in place. However, the committee decided that there should be policy and procedure at each school for dealing with students who bring weapons to school or threaten to bring weapons to school.

The advisory also wants to see a parent representative present when the board is developing and revising discipline policies. Within reason, the advisory wishes to see students involved, with requests made for their ideas and input into what can be done. They would like the board to head a program for the prevention of school violence.

Education director Jan Chell dealt with these concerns, informing Currie of the Tragic Events steering committee comprised of various Weyburn organizations. She said that she would recommend that a representative from the advisory committee sit on the steering committee as it is formulating policies and guidelines for dealing with discipline and violence. A unique procedure is being developed for each school.

Chell is studying the League of Peaceful Schools, which takes a club approach to making safe and peaceful schools a priority. She said she will distribute information about it at an upcoming principals meeting. Chell recommended a member of the parent advisory attend a Safer Schools, Safer Environment conference on March 16 and 17 if possible. Chell would be willing to pass on information from it to the committee.

Currie gave a substantial amount of research material gathered by the advisory committee to the board. She indicated that the next two topics to be researched by the group would be classroom size in relation to the number of students per class and physical size of the classroom, and lunchroom supervision, as per Chell's request.

The board discussed the seven questions forwarded by professional and support staff at an items meeting held Feb. 15, including a request from Haig School on the feasibility of having a portable classroom or classroom addition to the school.

"Haig School is experiencing some growing issues," said Chell. "It is just about at maximum capacity and they were wondering what would happen if they were to suddenly get more students."

"An alternative to a portable classroom or addition would have to be sought out. It costs $100,000 for a portable classroom and the construction of another classroom would also be costly. For example, the music room could be converted to a classroom and music could be delivered in the classroom and Sask. Ed. would look at that first. The school could look at this creatively and if there was such a huge influx, perhaps some new students could attend another division school where it is not an issue."

Teachers wondered if extra hours for earned days off could be carried forward. Under existing policy, a teacher earns one day off for every 40 extracurricular hours. So therefore, a teacher with 70 hours might lose 30 hours of extracurricular involvement. The board, wishing to encourage extracurricular involvement, said they will try to be flexible, within the context of the LINC agreement that states that days carried-over have to be taken before the end of the calendar year.

Chell said that these meetings are good opportunities for staff to voice questions and concerns in an non-threatening environment. In turn, the board is given an opportunity to be responsive to staff.

The board decided to examine its policy after approving a school field trip to Manitoba. For insurance purposes, formal approval should become mandatory.

The Weyburn Cubs were granted free use of the gym at Assiniboia Park School for an overnight camp. A contract for a special tutor was extended to the end of the school year as the board believes this person is making a big difference in the life of the child.

The board will attend a negotiation meeting and hold a committee-of-the-whole meeting during the month of March. The annual ratepayers' meeting will be held April 19, most likely at the Assiniboia Park School gym.