This is a summary of today’s Safety Committee meeting:

Student and staff accidents were insignificant.

Old Business

1.	I have completed Right-to-Know refresher sessions for district staff. Also, blood borne pathogen training and the offer of pre-hep-B vaccination has been provided for all staff classified as “at risk” of exposure.

We discussed school bus safety and the use of SCRIP procedures. An accident involving a kindergarten bus was discussed. Fred noted that, although SCRIP was implemented, a parent (who witnessed the accident) was able to relay the incident to the principal sooner than Fred could complete all his communications to everyone on his list.

New Business:

1.	A parent called me regarding her concern about the increased number of referrals regarding disciplinary action on our busses. She referenced a “Coaching the Driver” course available for school bus drivers and was going to drop off information as soon as it was available (I have not received it yet). Fred provided insights into much of the formal training currently provided for the drivers. In addition, there is a great deal of networking that goes on between drivers as well as other school staff to provide drivers additional training and support. Fred also pointed out that the use of disciplinary referrals (although reactive) is a necessary tool used to deal with student behavioral issues. The district also provides pro-active student instruction (such as character education, how to handle teasing and other social/peer pressures, anger management, etc.) and a “Good Bus Rides” recognition program that acknowledges good behavior. Fred went on to note problems trying to fill an unassigned monitor position (currently vacant). This person would serve to provide supervisory support on various bus runs as needed. At this time, the committee did not have any recommendations regarding this issue as there seem to be a number of efforts currently in place to deal with this situation. However, we will review the “Coaching the Driver” information when it becomes available.
2.	The MS nurse expressed a concern over the use of solvent-based aerosol paints used in the tech shops. This came about after a couple of students reported having a headache after spray painting their projects. I brought this before the safety committee due to the other issues of flammability with the solvent based aerosol paints and the strict requirement for storage. Alternatives are latex based; however none are available in aerosol form as of yet. Committee members directed me to work with the MS principal and tech staff to resolve this issue.
3.	Lori brought up a concern about contaminated food that was sparked due to an article she read in National Geographic. I asked if she would make a copy of this article for me. I would share it with Carol Fisher and work with her regarding any of those concerns that may be applied to our setting.
4.	Bob Magin expressed concern regarding the small stones that get “kicked” onto the blacktop walk from the playground area. The stones act like marbles on the blacktop and can be hazardous. In the mean time, I will direct the FE custodian to sweep the stones back onto the playground on a daily basis. I will estimate the cost to convert the area from wash stone to the wood chip material that is used at OP to cushion falls in the play area. This will be for consideration in future O&M budgets. Bob will try to see if the FE parent group is interested in trying to raise funds for this project.

This will be the last safety committee meeting for this school year. I appreciate the efforts that all of you have made to participate. I realize how busy everyone’s schedule must be and how difficult it is to make the time to attend. I look forward to seeing each of you next year. I also wish to thank the administration and Board of Education for their support of safety in our district.

PRESENT: Trustees Triou, Lyke, Ratcliffe, Mr. Havens, Mr. Switzer

PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of March 26, 2002 were filed as presented.

NEW BUSINESS:

Policy Review Service – Erie #1 BOCES: Mr. Triou shared a CD-ROM from Erie #1 BOCES with all of the revisions to date by the BOCES policy service for the committee’s use in review of those drafts. Clarifications were made on the sections of the new and old handbook that are included at this time.

Updated List –Required Policies: Mr. Triou shared a copy of an updated outline of policies and regulations required by statute that was sent by Erie #1 BOCES.

Update – Attendance Regulations Committee: Mrs. Lyke noted that she is serving as a member of this committee of staff members and a student to develop recommendations to comply with new state regulations on attendance in class by students and awarding credit for courses. The committee hopes to have a final report by the end of June.

Review of New §1000 (Bylaws) – Erie #1 BOCES Policy Update Service: Committee members devoted the remainder of the meeting to detailed review of existing policies with items re-codified in the BOCES policy update in new §1000 (Bylaws of the Board of Education).

As part of the review, updates to the following, existing policies were noted and referred for Board of Education review. Mr. Switzer to prepare for first reading at the May 14^th school board meeting.

Policy 2237 – School Tax Collector – title and language updates
Policy 2350 – Board Meeting Procedures – revise to match current practice

1.	Middle School Annapolis Trip itinerary
2.	Policy Committee Meeting Minutes
3.	Safety Committee Meeting Minutes