DATE: Thursday, October 2, 1997             TAG: 9709300114

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 05   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: Denise Watson 

                                            LENGTH:   47 lines

SCHOOL BULLETIN BOARD - NORFOLK

Here's a look at some of the action taken at last week's School Board meeting: Delay in handcuffs vote

The board voted to delay a decision that would allow security officers to use handcuffs to restrain violent people who are a threat to themselves or others.

While the majority of board members seemed to support the restraints as a last resort, several said they wanted to hear from more parents and students before voting.

The next School Board meeting will be Oct. 23.

Norfolk is the only local school district that doesn't have any personnel carrying handcuffs. All other South Hampton Roads school systems have police officers in high schools and in some middle schools who carry guns and handcuffs. But, if approved, Norfolk would be the only district that has security officers with handcuffs.

Under the proposal, the handcuffs would be used after verbal and physical controls have failed. The district's coordinator of security would monitor handcuff use to ensure proper procedures were followed. Money talk

Most state revenue projections were on target for August. The exception is some funding surrounding Coronado Center. Historically the alternative facility for pregnant teens has been funded as a group homebound program eligible for state reimbursement. But current state regulations only allow reimbursements for students unable to attend school because of a medical incapacity.

The district stands to lose $135,000 with the new regulations, but that shortfall might be offset by future state funds.

The school system was also warned it might see a $750,000 drop in local funding if the city's revenue falls short. School officials said they could curtail spending to fill the gap but it's still too early to do so. Term limits for chair

The chairman and vice-chair of the board will now be limited to serving two-year terms and must wait two years before being re-elected to those positions. Both seats are voted on each July but, in the past, there were no limits on how long members could serve.

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