CMSD bans medical marijuana use on campus

The Columbus Municipal School District board passed a collection of policies not allowing the use of medical marijuana on school campuses.

With four unanimous votes, the district officially updated its policies regarding medical cannabis. School districts do not have to allow medical marijuana to be used on their campuses, even if individuals have a written certification for its use, according to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act. The MMCA refers to prescriptions as written certifications.

Board President Yvonne Cox said the policy update was recommended by the Mississippi State Board of Education, and the board felt it necessary to update the policies for the safety and clarification for all in the district.

“The state board put it out there for legal precautions,” Cox said. “We wanted to be very clear that when a disciplinary action does happen, then you have the policy to reference to in making that straight decision. The district then remains in compliance.”

This decision follows the Lowndes County School District’s decision in the summer to not allow the substance on campus.

The policies changed to reflect the updates are the student health services policy, the students drug and alcohol policy, the personnel drug and alcohol testing policy and the personnel drug free schools and workplace policy.

Superintendent search
CMSD has been under the direction of Interim Superintendent Dennis Dupree since September after former Superintendent Cherie Labat’s abrupt resignation.

Because Dupree is retired, his appointment is for 117 days. In his time serving, he has implemented superintendent roundtable discussions for district stakeholders to speak about improvements and concerns about the schools.

He also has a student advisory board and a faculty advisory board where he listens to concerns students and employees have regarding the district.

Cox said before the board fully invests in finding a full-time superintendent, the members are allowing Dupree and those in the district to “refocus” on their purpose in helping students.

“The board is giving him an opportunity to move forward with these initiatives because we feel like it’s best for the district,” Cox said. “At the same time, it’s giving our personnel, students, parents and community the time to refocus on why we’re truly here educating our kids. We’re basically focusing on our children.”

Cox said she is drafting up options for superintendent search firms and hopes to be able to present some of her findings at one of the next board meetings.

When the search fully resumes, Cox said she expects the process to go quickly, and the board is looking for a candidate with successful administrative experience and for someone that will bring together everyone in the district regardless of who they are.

“I see the growth already, I do,” Cox said. “It’s the climate and culture (Dupree has brought). It’s different. I notice where our kids are happy, and you can tell when there’s a culture change because the children begin to believe in themselves. We want someone that will bring everyone together.”