If you're a Bushland parent, student or simply love the schools there, your ISD is doing something it thinks is important, it's putting together a task force.

The task force will deal with issues students face all the time.  The school didn't want to focus on too much all at once, so it's creating subcommittees that will address what's going on.

The task force is expected to focus on five different issues: substance abuse and awareness, sex education, character education, instructional issues like the grading system and cheating, and how to use the facilities building.

Of course, this all stems from the drug overdose of a high school student about a month ago. Superintendent Don Wood says he doesn't want it to happen again.

"We got the feeling that a lot of people knew what was going on, but were not willing to come forward until something major happened like this. So that opened our eyes and we said look, lets address it head on, and get a program in place, be proactive, and try to get some education out there to prevent something from happening in the future as opposed to reacting to something that did happen," said Don Wood, the Bushland ISD superintendent. 

If you want to be part of the task force, send an email to Don Wood directly; that's: Don.Wood@Bushlandisd.org 

The first meeting is April 8, 2010, at 6:30 at the high school auditorium. After a few meetings, they'll decide which direction they'll go.

Here is a copy of the letter posted on the Bushland ISD website:

March 12, 2010

To the Residents of Bushland ISD,

We have celebrated many successes this year, and our kids have worked extremely hard as well as our staff to achieve these accomplishments.  I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful school district and to lead this district to even greater heights as we continue to grow.  The goal of this district is to ensure that our most prized possession will receive the BEST education available.  It is our mission that when students graduate from Bushland ISD, they will be prepared to meet the challenges of life whether it’s post-secondary school or starting a career.  Student safety is always the number one concern as we pursue our mission.

In light of some events that have recently occurred in the district, we are forming the BISD Task Force to address not only substance abuse in school, but also the overall educational program.  The Task Force will address district-wide programs and initiatives in the following areas throughout the district: substance abuse awareness & education, sex education, character education, and curriculum in general.  We plan to define, or redefine, the term “high expectations” within the district as it relates to curriculum, testing, and our grading system.

As you can tell, the Task Force will have many issues to address, and I foresee us splitting into subgroups that will focus on these different issues.  Bushland has a history of coming together to resolve pressing issues, and there is no doubt in my mind we will be stronger as we go forward.  Again, as we continue to grow, we will encounter growing pains; this is normal.  But, it’s how we handle these pains that will dictate the direction we ultimately will go.

I am seeking volunteers who are willing to serve on the Task Force.  You may contact me by calling 359-6683 or by email at don.wood@bushlandisd.org. You may also contact the campus principal and let them know that you are interested by calling the same number.  High School – Rick Davis; Middle School – Mark Reasor; Elementary – Bobbye Morgan.  We will need your name and contact information. Right now, meeting times will be scheduled during the evening hours starting after spring break.  We will publish these dates and times on the district website.  We need and WANT your input.

Sincerely,

Don Wood

Superintendent

Bushland ISD