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New rules would
help schools pay
for lost textbooks

Students would be barred from
taking part in activities until
books are paid for

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By Crystal Kua
Star-Bulletin

New rules to help schools recoup money for damaged or lost textbooks come up for approval tonight by the Board of Education.

The rules would prevent students from participating in student activities sanctioned by the school administration if they don't return or pay for lost or damaged textbooks, library books and school equipment.

The activities include athletics, clubs, proms, class banquets and May Day.

Students who are unable to or choose not to pay for the lost or damaged items can work off the restitution through a program agreed to by the principal, student and parents.

School officials said that when students fail to replace books or pay for replacements, the school as a whole loses because there are a lack of textbooks.

Schools in the past have had difficulty collecting money for the lost books or equipment. The state Department of Education estimates that secondary schools spend an average of $20,000 a year on lost or damaged textbooks.

The rules, introduced and initially approved by the board last year, were taken out for public hearings during the past year.

Francine Grudzias, director of the Department of Education's Educational Administrative Services, said public response has been minimal.

A handful of people testified at hearings with no opposition cited, according to information provided to the board. Some testifiers asked for tougher sanctions.

If the rules are approved by the board, they must then go to the governor for consideration.

Grudzias said the department hopes the rules could be implemented by the second semester of this school year.

Also on the agenda, the board will be asked to approve two school construction budgets for the 2001-2003 fiscal years -- one for $45 million and one for $90 million.