EIkhart ISD alters band's letter jacket policy

By MARY RAINWATER
The Palestine Herald

ELKHART December 18, 2007 05:23 pm

— More Elkhart High School band students now will be eligible to wear a school letter, as Elkhart Independent School District trustees OK’d changes in the band’s letter jacket policy Monday.
According to EHS band director Wes Canaday, who spoke to trustees about the changes to the policy, the district’s current band letter jacket policy was outdated and made it very difficult for students to earn a jacket.
“The current policy requires students to earn points through individual work, such as auditioning for District Band,” Canaday explained. “There has not even been a District Band for six or seven years.”
The updated policy, developed by Canaday, EHS Principal Tim Ratcliff and EISD Athletic Director Jason Ives, allowed students who participate consistently in band for three years of high school to receive a jacket their senior year.
“This new policy allows students who may not accomplish as much individually, but who are faithful band members, to receive a letter jacket,” Canaday said. “An updated point system is still in place for those who might want to earn their letter jacket as a junior.”
Trustees did question a portion of the policy that required students to return the jacket their senior year if they quit band in the fourth year.
“We encourage students to stay in band all four years of high school,” Canaday explained. “That part of the policy prevents those students who earned a jacket without using the point system from leaving after they get it.
“Those who earn their jackets using the point system will get to keep them.”
Trustees unanimously approved the policy changes, making it retroactive from the start of the 2007-08 school year.
In other business, the board:
• APPROVED a report on the 2006-07 audit by the firm of Smith, Lambright and Associates, P.C. of Athens.
• HEARD annual reports including district and campus AEIS data, Campus Performance Objectives, Campus Reports on Violent and Criminal Incidents, 2006 Graduate College Enrollment and the 2007 Fund Balance.
• APPROVED changing the January board meeting from Jan. 28 to Jan. 22.
• APPROVED additions to the 2007-08 student transfer list.
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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com