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Nov. 16, 2020, SSD200 Board special meeting
The Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education met in a special session on Monday, Nov. 16, to discuss proposed changes to the district calendar and possible changes in instructional methods for high school-level students. Compensation for substitute teachers and others also was discussed.
-- The board unanimously approved changes to the 2020-21 district calendar, adding days to both the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Thanksgiving break now runs from Nov. 23-27 and Christmas break will begin on Dec. 21. Superintendent Steve Triiplett said staff members are exhausted and overwhelmed and the additional time off should help rejuvenate them.
-- On a 5-2 vote, the board affirmed that Triplett has the authority to move the method of instruction to all-virtual. There was discussion about moving grades 9-12 to all-virtual for the balance of first semester as a way to free up substitutes and some high school staff members to help cover classrooms in other buildings. The district recently has had anywhere from 50 to 90 staff absences in a single day, with more than 45 positions unfilled on some days. On Monday, the absence levels dropped to a more manageable number; the board encouraged Triplett to hold off on the 9-12 virtual move for now.
-- Due to the shortage of subs, Triplett and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Todd Fraley presented some scenarios to the board regarding an increase in sub compensation, possibly just through the end of the current school year. Triplett said while it is up to the board, he would prefer any boost for subs be accompanied by an increase for full-time support staff. To keep the district budget in control, focusing such increases on those involved in direct instruction for students - subs and paraprofessionals - was suggested. Dr. Fraley noted that the current district budget already is projected to require a $4 million dip into reserves; he will bring new compensation scenarios to the board meeting on Monday, Nov. 23.