THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240343
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Compiled by Aleta Payne
LENGTH: 57 lines
The Virginia Beach School Board met Tuesday night. Here are some of the actions.
Members unanimously voted to approve the 1997-2002 Strategic Plan. While the board has made some changes in the plan since it was first presented in November, only minor additional changes were made during the meeting. All-day workshop planned
The board agreed to hold an all-day workshop in March to brainstorm ideas. Discipline regulations changed
Approval was given to change one regulation and to create a second to allow principals more flexibility in disciplining students. Possession of a beeper or cellular phone can now be dealt with under the Code of Student Conduct. Previously, division regulations required that students caught with such devices be automatically recommended for a one-year suspension.
A new regulation forbidding the unauthorized or illegal use of computers was also approved. Block scheduling report given
The board heard a report on block scheduling. Currently, Kempsville, Ocean Lakes and Princess Anne high schools use block scheduling, which allows students to spend longer time in classes by taking subjects on alternate days. Nationally, many high schools have experimented with block scheduling.
The report recommends continuing block scheduling at the three high schools involved but not expanding it until the existing programs can be evaluated.
The report also recommends that the board adopt policies and regulations to govern the development, approval and evaluation of pilot programs. And it recommends that the use of time in high schools be studied. Kemps Landing sports discussed
Public comments and a report on the issue of interscholastic sports at Kemps Landing Magnet School were heard. The participation of the magnet school students on some sports teams at Kempsville Middle School has become an issue. Although the board discussed the matter, including the possibility of exploring athletic offerings at the magnet school, no action was taken. Report focuses on career center
The board heard a report from the committee looking into the possibility of a new technical and career education center. Both a free-standing center and a center within another school are being considered. The board is expected to consider the issue at its March workshop.