53. SCHOOL CODES
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends
appropriate attire be mandatory for all public school
students, teachers and personnel, and that all should
practice good personal hygiene for health and safety
reasons.
We further recommend that teachers, instructors
and students alike follow the same rules regarding
food, beverage and cell phone usage in the classroom.
Because of the advancement and use of modern
technology, we recommend that only teachers or
instructors have the authority to permit use of these
instruments in the furthering of the educational
process; however, personal use by students/teachers/
instructors should not be permitted during class except
in a life-threatening emergency.
54. BACKGROUND CHECKS OF SCHOOL
PERSONNEL AND DAYCARE
PERSONNEL AND HANDLING OF
EMPLOYEES UNDER INVESTIGATION
FOR SEXUAL/CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT
West Virginia Farm Bureau believes that a thorough
and in-depth background investigation should be
required for all school employees and daycare
personnel and those who volunteer on a regular basis,
as well as those individuals working with or around
children who are indirectly employed for the public
school system and federally-funded daycare centers via
a third-party contractual agreement.
We recommend that no one who has been found
guilty of sexual or criminal misconduct in any way
be employable in a public school or federally-funded
daycare center.
We recommend that any employee who is under
investigation for sexual or criminal misconduct be
immediately placed on paid suspension until the
investigation determines the guilt or innocence of
the individual. If there is an adjudication of guilt,
we request immediate termination, and that any
certification be withdrawn.
55. SECURITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
West Virginia Farm Bureau continues support of
a security program for the benefit of our children. All
WV schools should be locked down during school
sessions and admission to the main building should
only be permitted with proper identification. In
addition, county school systems should work jointly
with local/county law enforcement to have regular and/
or undercover presence in all schools.
Custodial parents need to advise school
administrations of any limitations or restrictions
regarding a child or children and of any changes
throughout the school year.
56. RANDOM DRUG TESTING
West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends legislation
to authorize county school boards the power to initiate
random drug testing for teachers, personnel and
students.
Specifically, we recommend all personnel and
teachers, including those employed by institutions of
higher education, be subjected to a random drug test
annually.
57. DISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
To create the optimum learning environment, West
Virginia Farm Bureau strongly recommends that local
school authorities be empowered to establish a proper
disciplinary environment.
Toward that end, parents or guardians shall be held
legally responsible for the actions of their children.
58. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION,
VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS,
4-H, NATIONAL FFA, FCCLA & FCA
National FFA Association, 4-H clubs, Family,
Career and Community Leaders of America and
Fellowship of Christian Athletes have been, and will
continue to be, vital tools for development of talent
and leadership needed in family resources, agricultural
and ecological industries. West Virginia Farm Bureau
recommends continued support for vocational
agriculture in public secondary schools. Specifically,
we recommend that:
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All agricultural education programs in secondary
schools in West Virginia should be year-round
The state should support this change by reimbursing
county school systems for a minimum of 240 days
The state should assist in maintaining and adding
agricultural education in all counties desiring
assistance
Farm Bureau recommends continued support for
vocational-technical schools
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 17