Board of Education Reviews SIR, All In Mountain Brook Conference

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Before the Mountain Brook Board of Education heard its official business, the board heard feedback from director of student services Dale Wisely on the annual Student Incident Report. Schools are required to keep records of students who commit serious infractions and disciplinary actions taken in response, such as suspension, expulsion, alternative school or notification of law enforcement.

In 2016-17, there was one case of assault, three of defiance, three of substance abuse, one of criminal mischief, one of disorderly conduct and one of inciting disturbance at the high school. At the middle school, there was one case of disorderly conduct, five fights and two other unnamed incidents.

Wisely also discussed the seclusion and restraint report, detailing 24 cases of restraint for the last academic year. Wisely said the cases were all isolated to five individual students with disabilities, with whom restraint is common. Teachers and administrators throughout the school system are trained to respond to cases that warrant physical restraint.

Wisely concluded his presentation with reports from the All in Mountain Brook parenting conference. An estimated 150 parents attended and were able to choose from 15 different sessions.

Mountain Brook High School principal Amanda Hood presented similar information on the high school's adjoining conference, where students got to choose three 20-minute sessions to attend that were created in cooperation with a group of elected students, PTO members and school staff.

The board also took a moment to recognize the Mountain Brook High School volleyball team. The team finished the state tournament in the top four before being knocked out by McGill-Toolen, who would go on to win the championship.

The board also recognized the service of outgoing CFO Karen Lusk Smith, who will be leaving her position at the end of the semester.

The board's official business included approval of personnel recommendation and disposal of surplus items, as well as a review of financial statements.