RHINEBECK HIGH SCHOOL

BUILDING LEVEL PLANNING TEAM

MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Member’s Present; Stephen Lezon, John Murphy, Ted Alban, Priscilla Gideon

Member’s Absent: Sarah Sutherland, Susan Volin, Parul Saxena, Gary Sutherland, Patricia Lancto

Guests: Paul Slayton, Art Pritchard, Joseph Phelan

Acceptance of Minutes: The meeting minutes of December 15, 2004 were accepted.

1. Introduced Priscilla Gideon, who is a new RHS BLPT member.

2. Introduced Joseph Phelan, Superintendent of the Rhinebeck Central School District and Art Pritchard, Board of Education member Designee. At the suggestion of Anthony Celenza, High School Principal, he suggested having the discussion concerning Drug-Free School, using the BLPT monthly meeting format and inviting Mr. Phelan and a designated Board member.

3. Introduced Board of Education guest, Paul Slayton.

4. Introduced John Murphy, who initiated the concept of Drug-Free Schools within the Rhinebeck School District several years ago. He spoke of the concept of Drug-Free Schools’ as a philosophical statement. Mr. Murphy, speaking for the RHS BLPT, spoke of the current status of establishing Drug-Free School Zones, and the difficulties that have been encountered.

He proposed that the RHS BLPT has dropped the Drug-Free School Zone proposal, and presented a counter proposal.

The counter proposal was the creating of a plaque and/or sign that would state:

This is a

- Drug Free

- Alcohol Free

- Tobacco Free

Facility

This counter proposal would not change policy, but would enhance and re-enforce existing policy. This counter proposal would have nothing to do with the Town/Village of Rhinebeck. The plaque/sign makes a statement, and enhances the message that the RHS BLPT has been trying to send concerning a positive school environment. The plaque/sign would be placed in highly visible and key areas of the property and school buildings. Any discipline and /or enforcement would be as per District Code of Conduct. The plaque/sign includes a Tobacco Free statement, which supports the Dutchess County Health Department’s Sanitary Code, Article 25.

5. Mr. Art Pritchard spoke on the following:

A. Spoke of a New Jersey Program, “Safe Home”.

B. Parent concerns regarding Drug-Free School Zones.

C. Rocky Mountain Institute Survey.

Discussion Followed.

6. Mr. Paul Slayton voiced concerns regarding the counter proposal:

A. Does the plaque/sign proposal answer Board of Education questions from last spring.

B. Cost.

C. How many signs.

D. Location.

Discussion followed.

7. Mr. Phelan suggested a modified request and process.

A. Modify request (approach) and ask for Board support.

B. Request should support existing Board policy and procedures.

8. Mr. Pritchard asks what are kids doing in the community and how is it affecting the school community. He suggests a survey.

Discussion followed.

9. Mr. Phelan suggests, concerning survey, that he has been approached by two Dutchess Community College students, who are interested in formulating a survey and collecting data. He will give them Mr. Celenza’s name and phone number.

10. Mr. Pritchard shares information regarding the Thomas Thompson Park Commission that is currently looking at finalists, and that a teen center in the park, is to be part of the plan.

Next Meeting: March 17, 2005 at 4:00 pm in the School Library.

Agenda:

1. Modify request/letter to the board.

2. See Ken Parson regarding plaque/sign

- price

- size

3. Locations

4. Number of signs

5. Signs paid by PTSO?