Carter County School Board discusses reopening schools in August
Published 4:49 pm Friday, June 12, 2020
- File Photo Carter County School Board Office.
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Carter County Schools met for a board meeting via ZOOM on Thursday evening, the last one until August.
As the meeting began, Michael Kennedy, deputy director for the finance department, presented budget amendments, which were approved. This was followed by salary schedules, all approved individually.
Following Kennedy, Danny McClain took the floor. He proposed additions to attendance reports, including a survey to be sent out to various individuals, including parents, in regards to what attendance may look like, followed by a proposed committee of various individuals to discuss reopening schools in August. McClain asked any board members who would be interested to join.
“I’ll be honest with ya, as I said before, I think we’ve got to look at option A, B and C,” he said. “We need to look at tradition starts to school, which include some social distancing, but I also think we need to have a plan in place if we do have some sort of resurgence so we aren’t caught off guard like we were March 20.”
Later in the meeting McClain also wanted discussions in the committee to include plans for the online academy should more students join.
Lindsey Feathers, school nutrition, proposed payment of a flat rate of $6 per hour for time worked from staff who volunteered during emergency feeding from March 18-May 20. After some discussion and debate regarding the expected nature of this pay as it was on a volunteer basis, this was approved.
Diana Bowers, curriculum director, then discussed textbooks, explaining varying price levels due to being in “bundles” where certain inclusions saved money. In the end, the board moved this discussion to August for further insight into how the school year would look.
Sonya Miller, program director, spoke on telemedicine as continued from the previous workshops. This involved approvals for the renewal of partnership with EMD, which provided a $6,000 supplement to nurses for telemedicine. This was ultimately approved.
LeeAnn Carr, supervisor of headstart, requested approval to use COVID-19 funds when they are given, and the approval for a teacher and assistant for a three-year program at Happy Valley Elementary, which will have 14 kids. Both were approved.
Jerri Beth Nave, federal project coordinator, covered the Cares ACT budget, noting the unprecedented times we are in. The budget surrounded COVID, and plans like tutoring in the future. This budget, a contract with Frontier Health for four mental health counselors, instructure with canvas, and fiscal year 21 consolidated application for federal funding were all approved.
Terry Hubbard, special education director, said the IVEA Tech Grant was granted to schools and elaborated on technological tools purchased for disabled students. She thanked everyone for a wonderful 38-year career.
From the CTVA report, it was announced that they are close to MOU accomplishment.
Peggy Campbell, assistant director of schools, elaborated on deadlines needed for retirement.
SRO’s for schools were approved. The board reimbursed the sheriff’s last payment for SRO’s, $70,000 for the 20-21 school year.
As the meeting came to a close, Ward, who previously extended appreciation to various individuals, was awarded a plaque.
No board meeting will take place in July. The next workshop will be August 13, and the next meeting will be August 20.
