LINDEN &8212; With school being in session for more than two months the school board considered making some changes to both their weapons policy and the student uniform policy, Interim Superintendent Scoot Collier said Monday.

The first change came at the recommendation of Collier, who wants to add an eighth definition to the existing list of what constitutes a weapon to include, &8220;any physical item used with intent to harm another person.&8221; Collier said the introduction of new laptops with large battery packs made him consider adding the provision to the policy. After a vote, the board approved reviewing the policy, which will be decided on at the next meeting.

A second group of policy changes are in reference to the student uniform policy. Two provisions, one for the clarification for what constitutes a dress-code appropriate jacket and one for what constitutes dress-code appropriate footwear, will also be reviewed and determined by the next meeting.

Collier also asked for a provision for school-sanctioned and coordinated jackets such as letterman jackets with school emblems for the high school, and eventually for other schools who wish to participate.

After discussing these changes to the policy, the board also approved the use of out of school suspension for students who are repeat offenders to the student uniform policy.

The decision means students who come to school out of uniform on multiple occasions will not be allowed to attend class until they are dressed in compliance with the policy. Collier said this is the only offense where this action will be taken.

Another topic of discussion at the meeting was the success of the Linden High School football program. The team, which will have its last regular season game this week against Coffeeville High School, is headed to the playoffs.

In order to facilitate further training as it gets darker earlier, Collier took the initiative to have more lights installed at the George P. Austin Junior High School field where the team practices. The estimated cost for the project is around $15,000 Collier said, half of which the City of Linden has agreed to finance.

In other business, the board:

Accepted the resignation of Frances Brown, bus driver at the Marengo County Technology Center.

Approved the employment of Rosie Tuck as bus driver at the Marengo County Technology Center.

Approved the retirement of Janie Hawk as chief financial officer effective Dec. 1. Hawk has agreed to help train a new CFO, to be hired by the board.

Approved the retirement of Glenda Harris as secretary and bookkeeper at Linden High School.

Authorized the Interim Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer to amend the fiscal year 2008 budget as needed, as grant funds and carry over funds become available.