School Board Considers Policy Changes
At this evening’s Siuslaw School Board meeting the district will consider approving changes to language of several school policies including the Student Drug Testing guidelines. The purpose is to clarify the schools stand on drug abuse and the prevention thereof. The proposed language is as follows:
“As part of the district’s substance abuse prevention efforts all student-athletes and activity participants in grades 9-12 will be subject to random drug screening during the entirety of the season of their extracurricular participation in order to Provide for the student athletes’ health and safety; and undermine the effects of peer pressure.”
The main change would be from the current verbiage that states Mandatory drug testing to subject to Random drug screenings. Other considerations for policy changes and updates regard advertising and public solicitation, criminal records checks and the operation of drones as part of student curriculum. The meeting will be held at the district offices on 2111 Oak Street at 6:30 pm.
City Manager Gets High Marks
Florence City Manager Erin Reynolds received a 3.82 out of a 4.0 on her annual evaluation. Comments from city council and staff were overwhelmingly positive and according to Mayor Joe Henry, Reynolds continues to perform in an exemplary manner and sets an example for everyone in the organization. Councilman Joshua Greene said this past year had added challenges with construction and relocation and creating temporary work spaces that Reynolds managed and navigated extremely well. Greene credited Reynolds with regrouping after the initial rounds of bids came through on revision Florence. Reynolds credited her success to the staff and support group at the city.
201 “I’d be remiss if I didn’t say a special thank you to my staff. I couldn’t do it without you. My evaluation is a reflection of all the hard work that you have put in this year and all the years before.
The board approved a 2% pay increase for Reynolds.
Holiday Travel Helped With Lower Fuel Prices
As the Christmas Holiday approaches drivers are getting an early present from the fuel industry. With prices per barrel hovering around $52 fuel the gallon price for regular gas has sharply decreased in recent weeks. The price per gallon in Florence is at $2.72. About 35 cents less than a month ago. Cheaper prices as well as a production glut have helped to reduce the prices in the past several weeks. Oregon has dropped out of the top 5 for most expensive fuel prices in the US. Replaced by Nevada.
Santa to Make Appearance at Justice Center
This Saturday from 3 to 5 pm at the Florence Justice center santa will make an appearance. It is a chance for kids to select a toy and get a photo with Santa. The event is sponsored annually by the Florence Police auxiliary. The Justice center is located at 900 Greenwood st.
