The second of two novels that caused controversy in a Nitro High School English class has apparently been approved for return to the classroom, as long as students are offered alternative texts.

Seven members of a 10-member committee voted that way when examining Pat Conroy’s novel “The Prince of Tides,” language arts specialist Judy Gillian told Kanawha County school board members Monday.

Two committee members said the Conroy book should be retained with no alternative for students. Committee member Leona Tyree, who first complained of graphic scenes in “The Prince of Tides” this fall, favored retaining the book as a choice of titles from which students may select.

Another Conroy novel, “Beach Music,” was allowed back at Nitro in November after the same committee approved it for the classroom.

Tyree, her husband Ken and parent Karen Frazier complained about scenes of violence, sexual assault, child rape, suicide and more in the Conroy books. That led to the books’ suspension this fall.

As with “Beach Music,” English teacher Scott Shamblin believes “The Prince of Tides” will be allowed back at Nitro within a couple days, after Duerring has talked with Principal Paul McClanahan.

Board members also tried to answer several questions about drug testing policy that they approved last month.

Under the policy, school officials can test workers and successful job candidates as a condition for employment, when there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, after on-the-job accidents and when certain employees seek promotion or transfer.

The policy applies to those who seek a promotion or transfer if they operate dangerous machinery, drive a county-owned vehicle, give students medication, drive their own vehicle on school business on a regular basis or volunteer to be tested.

However, the policy would not allow testing of principals, teachers, the superintendent, top county administrators, coaches, child-care workers, aides and other personnel when they seek a promotion or transfer.

Board member Pete Thaw once again tried unsuccessfully to add board members, principals, teachers and top county administrators to the policy. The board knocked down his motion 4-1 Monday.

Among the matters cleared up Monday was whether unsuccessful job applicants would be drug-tested. They will not.

To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.