WV Farm Bureau Magazine January 2015 | Page 18

teachers, including those employed by institutions of higher education, be subjected to a random drug test annually. 56. DISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS To create the optimum learning environment, West Virginia Farm Bureau strongly recommends that local school authorities be empowered to establish a proper disciplinary environment. Toward that end, parents or guardians shall be held legally responsible for the actions of their children. 57. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, 4-H, NATIONAL FFA, FCCLA & FCA National FFA Association, 4-H clubs, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes have been, and will continue to be, vital tools for development of talent and leadership needed in family resources, agricultural and ecological industries. West Virginia Farm Bureau recommends continued support for vocational agriculture in public secondary schools. Specifically, we recommend that: • All agricultural education programs in secondary schools in West Virginia should be year-round We feel strongly that the cattle facilities should be maintained and available for educational activities such as 4-H livestock projects, public shows and sales. We feel that Jackson’s Mill is a major asset to West Virginia as a center for youth activities and as an adult education facility. Jackson’s Mill should be maintained and the facilities improved with additional private housing. We encourage West Virginia University to put more emphasis on improving and using Jackson’s Mill. Farm Bureau is willing to work with other organizations to help secure adequate state funding for this facility. We request that WV citizens receiving a state tax refund be given the option to dedicate it to a designated fund meant for capital improvements and maintenance of Jackson’s Mill. 59. WVU EXTENSION SERVICE The WVU Extension Service has made an outstanding contribution to the farm community. It must be continued and strengthened to meet the future needs of agriculture, and its primary responsibility should be to serve the educational and informational needs of farmers. We strongly support West Virginia University in acquisition of funds from the legislature to carry out the Extension Program, 4-H, Community Educational Outreach Services, and county extension agents serving traditional needs of the agriculture • The state should support this change by community. reimbursing county school systems for a West Virginia Farm Bureau will continue to minimum of 240 days support a sound WVU Extension Service program. We recommend that a minimum of one agent and • The state should assist in maintaining and one secretary be placed in each county. Effectiveness adding agricultural education in all counties in program development and f [