The county plan, released earlier this month, was developed by Superintendents Dara Chezem and Dan Zylstra of Eastern Pulaski and West Central schools, along with assistance from the county health department. It addresses such issues as social distancing in classrooms, lunch rooms and halls, frequent hand washing and surface sanitation, encouragement of masks, and additional items. Consideration for the safety of students and staff are priorities.
EPCS administrators have been surveying families and staff for suggestions and feedback on proposed procedures and preferances.
The board also approved a resolution for suspension of school board policies conflicting with waivers or extensions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other business, the board discussed a recommendation to change the professional development time block from a “late arrival Wednesday” to an “early release Wednesday.” The board was told that in a survey, 77 percent of teachers and 76 percent of parents prefer the early release option. Bus drivers, community members, and cafeteria workers also support the recommendation for early release. The board voted its approval.
Personnel
The board approved the recommendation to hire Hope Rhodes as a seventh-grade social studies teacher, and Krysten Hinkle as high school administrative secretary.
The board also hired Peggy Graves for the COTA special education program, shared with the Pioneer and Caston school systems.
Employment was approved for the following recommendations for extra-curricular activity positions:
- Middle School Football - Kullen Day, Parker Fox,Cullen Ulerick, Dalton Button
- High School Cheerleading - Christen Shell
- 6th grade Volleyball - Monica Pothoff
- Middle School Wrestling Asst. Coach - Donald Jones
- High School Leadership Council - Jeremy Wegner, Karen Butler, Kate Daily, Steph Watts, Taylor White, Gretchen Gearhart, Natalie Dickinson
- Elementary School Leadership Council - Jackie Kiser, Mandy Bennett, Kullen Day, Dana Field, Susie Schultz, Beth Smith, Jamie Hoover
- Middle School Leadership Council - Erica Richwine, John King, Emma Myers, Marilyn Newman, Rachel Budd
Also, Tami Powell was extended days absence (4 days September and 9 days Jan/Feb).
Under other action items, the board approved the financial report as presented in the board packet. The board also passed a resolution to adjust fund balances to audit balances.
The board approved the following donations to the school corporation:
- Lonnie King - donated an American Flag
- Bonnie Budd - $300 Helping Hands fund
- Mary Ann Fritz - $950 EPCSC students who have suffered financial impact from COVID
The board voted to adopt the 2021 Budget Calendar
The board approved Gordon Food as food supplier for 2020-21 school year.
The board approved textbook fees, as presented. The state no longer allows “flat” fees; students will be charged according to the cost of individual texts/courses.
Second readings and approval were given to the corporation handbooks – the Classified Employee Handbook, the Transportation Handbook and Student Handbooks.
The Chromebook Agreements were approved by the board.
