NEWMAN – Sweeping changes could be in store for alternative education programs in the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District this fall.

Under the proposed plan, alternative students would be required to wear a uniform shirt, be subject to random drug testing if they had had previous substance abuse issues and would earn privileges for good conduct and academic achievement.

Board members recently approved the changes – pending review of the legality of some aspects of the proposal, such as drug testing and a proposal to incorporate community service into the alternative education plan.

“The board has indicated that they are ready for some changes in alternative education, and it is needed,” Superintendent Rick Fauss told Mattos Newspapers. “I don’t blame anybody, students or staff, but we need to get better. We want it to be truly alternative education, a different educational setting for students with different needs.”

Fauss said alternative education will eliminate its use of packet materials for students to complete and will instead go entirely to an on-line learning system – with clear expectations for attendance and conduct.

One goal, he noted, is to create a pathway for students who want to transition back to Orestimba High School.

Under the proposal crafted by Orestimba Assistant Principal John Luis, who will also oversee the alternative education program this year, students could earn the privilege of attending some events at Orestimba.

Alternative education students currently can attend any public event – such as a football game, for example – but are not allowed to attend restricted events such as a dance.

Board President Derek Solano questioned the incentive system, asking for more specific detail on which Orestimba events the alternative education students would be allowed to attend.

Board member Janice Conforti asked if alternative education students with specific interests such as art may be allowed to enroll in those courses at OHS, and was told that has been done.

“The goal is for students to return to Orestimba,” explained Jeri Hamera, the district’s curriculum director. “We try to keep that connection to the high school and not have alternative education students become disenfranchised from OHS.”

Purple school uniform shirts are proposed as part of the program, Fauss said, although additional shirts could be earned. A much more restrictive dress code is an alternative.

“We do have students who are claiming colors, and we try to keep them separated now. We have morning and afternoon groups, and we try to keep them apart,” he explained. “We don’t believe they are documented gang members, but they are certainly students who aspire to be.”

Common, neutral colors would help diffuse gang-related tensions while building a sense of school identity, educators believe.

Fauss said Luis is a former alternative education teacher who based many components of his proposal on a successful program in Sanger where he previously worked.

He said the board would be given a more detailed report – including legal opinions on some aspects of the proposed modifications to alternative education – at its Aug. 10 board meeting.