School Board Deliberates Consequences Of Student Illegal Activity & Concerns About Hiring Process

Chris S. Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. April 20, 2016. The Rich School Board held its regular monthly meeting.  All members were present.  The board asked this paper to express on their behalf a genuine and strongly felt, “Thank you”, to all the faculty and staff for the efforts of the past year.

The two most important items covered in a large agenda were efforts to develop a policy for students engaging in illegal behavior at times and places not connected to school events or property, and a board decision about hiring a new staff member. 

Without reaching any conclusion, the board is struggling with possible actions that it or the school principals could take when students engage in (or are even present in places) where inappropriate or illegal behavior is occurring not directly connected to school activities and not on school property.

The prime example cited by the board would be the presence at a party where alcohol or drugs were being consumed by underage students.  The board asked itself about what action should be taken by school officials for a student in such circumstances.  There were mixed opinions expressed, including whether it was the responsibility of school officials to be involved in disciplinary action when the event had no connection to school activities, or whether such activity was more appropriate for regular law enforcement action.  Board member Monte Weston indicated that absent actual proof of illegal action it would not be possible to fairly discipline students by officials in the school.  Some other board members felt that student counseling by Principal Rick Larsen would be an appropriate response.  There was unanimity in feeling that helping students avoid such circumstances was very much worthwhile but development of a policy, including enforcement provisions, was going to be a long, arduous, and likely contentious process.

The second major issue involved the hire of a new faculty member.  Near the end of the regular March board meeting Principal Larsen recommended to the board that a new faculty member be hired to fill academic needs.  He wanted to hire a new teacher who had 3 state teaching certifications; biological sciences, physical sciences, and Spanish.  The board told him to proceed and advertise.  On March 28, 2016, the district posted a position announcement with the above qualifications listed and indicated that the position would be open until filled. 

At this point in the April meeting last Wednesday, board president Pete Cornia excused himself and left the meeting.

Superintendent Lamborn then explained to the remaining board that in the 20 days since the first position announcement the district had received two applications.  Mr. Lamborn indicated that neither of the two applicants met all of the required criteria in the position announcement, but that he was recommending the hire of Cooper Cornia.  Cooper Cornia met two of the three requirements but not the state certification in physical sciences.  Cooper Cornia is the son of the board president Pete Cornia, which is the reason board president Cornia had excused himself for this portion of the meeting. 

Mr. Lamborn indicated that Cooper Cornia would need to complete a few (2 or 3) more classes to obtain the physical science certification and would have 3 years to complete them.  The board went into executive session, including Superintendent Lamborn, Principals Larsen and Motta, and finance director Richard Clark.  When the board returned from executive session a motion was made to offer the job to Cooper Cornia.  The vote was 4-1 in favor, with board president Pete Cornia not present and not voting.  Those in favor were board members Sabey, Wamsley, Weston, and Stokes.  Opposed was board member Huefner.  When asked if physics would be taught next year in the high school, Principal Larsen said no.

In other actions the audit committee recommended that a new auditing firm, Gilbert and Stewart, be awarded the district audit contract for 5 years.  Theirs was the lowest bid.  The board unanimously approved the decision.  Further, R & D cleaning was awarded a 3 year contract for cleaning of the facilities.  Theirs was the only bid and they are currently the existing cleaners.

Principal Motta reported that there will be a bubble of 54 students coming into the 4^th grade next year.  This number is substantially larger than other grades and teaching, including the use of aides, will be adjusted.

With the input and advice of local community councils, priority and goal recommendations were presented for the use of the trust land fund, about $32,000, in the school system.

Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to learn about possible options and changes in the Health Care Benefit program for the next year.  There are two main options with the potential insurers being EMI and PEHP.  As has been the case for 30 years across the nation annual costs to each participant are continuing to rise and the benefits decreased.   Direct input and questions from faculty and staff will be a major part of meeting agendas before a decision is reached.