SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES

School Standards
    We believe that more disciplinary authority should be returned to classroom teachers. School bus drivers being a part of the educational system should have the authority to refuse transportation of any student who makes a dangerous situation. Discipline is a concern of all and should be enforced by the school system. ’07

    We also support stricter qualifications and monitoring of teachers. ’07

    We recommend educational programs at all levels to discourage people from engaging in illegal drug activity. ’07

School Lunches
    The school lunch program was created to assure each school-age child the opportunity to have at least one nutritious meal each day. We resolve that the State and County Farm Bureaus should work to improve the standards and quality of food offered in Maryland public schools. We also recommend that all school cafeterias provide the students the opportunity for whole milk.

    We urge the state to establish a farm-to-school program, which would allow for bidding exemptions, making it easier for schools and other institutions to buy directly from local farms. '01

School Year
    We oppose a year round and/or a staggered school year. We support a school year that starts after Labor Day and ends no later than the first week of June. ’05

School Attendance Policy
    Participation in agricultural activities (e.g. 4-H, FFA and the Miss County or Miss Maryland Farm Bureau Programs) should be allowed as an excused absence and should not count against the number of allowable absences set by the county school system in question. ’05