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Aug. 10, 2020, SSD200 Board meeting
The Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education met Monday, Aug. 10, in the Heckart Performing Arts Center. Board member Michael Stees participated virtually; all other board members met in person. About 40 community members and Sedalia 200 staff were in attendance.
Highlights:
--- COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND GUIDELINES: Superintendent Steve Triplett shared details from parent and staff surveys. About 73 percent of parents responding said their students would attend in-person school with mandatory face coverings. About 77 percent of staff members responding favored in-person learning . About 55 percent of parents whose children are bus eligible responded that they would provide other transportation for their students. Triplett noted that he had shared about 40 pages of staff comments that cover the range of responses regarding in-person vs. virtual learning and face coverings mandatory vs. face coverings optional. Triplett said the staff comments helped guide his decision-making. He met with other Pettis County superintendents and believes most will go with in-person education. Triplett recommended in-person learning five days a week. “I have struggles with this decision. I feel that kids need to be in school,” he said.
Educational gaps in student groups are challenges which become harder to overcome with virtual education, Triplett said, adding that the distance learning provided in the spring was not optimal. On Option 2, the hybrid plan, while students at the elementary level are less susceptible to the virus, teachers and staff are not. Triplett also is concerned about the substitute shortage; previous methods such as merging classrooms to cover for absences will not be an option. With masks required when 6-foot social distancing cannot be achieved, everyone will be considered at low risk in the event of a positive case and students and staff members can avoid quarantine.
Triplett encouraged parents to practice home screenings for temperature and other symptoms. The district has eliminated all attendance incentive programs, so if anyone is feeling sick, they need to stay home.
Stees read a prepared statement; given current conditions, he said, it is not ethical or safe to force staff into any unsafe conditions. He advocated for all virtual learning with encouragement for the community to help provide child care for those who need it. Stees cited statistics regarding the increase in youths testing positive and noted Sedalia 200 staff members with complicating health conditions and/or young or elderly family members at home. He argued there are just too many students in each building.
Board member Scott Gardner acknowledged Stees’s arguments, but advocated for the 5-day in-person option. He said there are studies that emphasize the mental and education benefits of returning to school. Requiring masks needs to be part of that plan, he said.
Board President Dr. Jeff Sharp supported Triplett’s recommendation, with the blended plan (Option 2) as the next option and virtual as a last resort. He noted the district’s surveys, which show parents do not want virtual learning as the first option.
Board Treasurer Kenny Coffelt said the majority of teachers advocate a return to in-person schooling. He supported face-to-face education five days a week with face coverings required when 6-foot social distancing cannot be achieved. Board member Barbara Schrader agreed, saying she has had many sleepless nights over the decision. She also urged families to practice safe habits at home to keep the virus limited so students can continue to come to school.
Board member Matthew Herren commended Triplett on the five-day, in-person plan, saying he likes that there is a virtual option for those not comfortable. He stressed he is not a fan of masks, but understands the health guidelines involved. Board Secretary Diana Nichols noted the district’s vulnerable students and faculty members, stressing the need to protect them when they are at school.
Parent Vicky Clark, who has a special needs student, raised questions about students who have health complications and the inability for social distancing for those who require paraprofessionals. She also questioned transporting students on crowded buses.
Madison Phillips, who is entering 8th grade, told the board that after Spring Break, not being able to attend school was difficult because she missed her teachers and friends. She said not being able to attend school will affect students’ personal lives, and could make depression issues worse.
Parent Glenn Shoemaker told the board he won’t require his students to wear a mask, and will move them to virtual learning or homeschool.
The board voted 6-1 in favor of in-person learning five days a week with face coverings (masks, face shields, gaiter scarves) mandatory when 6-foot social distancing cannot be achieved. Stees cast the opposing vote..
-- 2020-21 CALENDAR: In an issue for discussion, the board considered moving the start date for the 2020-21 school year from Sept. 1 to Sept. 8. Stees was in favor, saying the additional week would allow time for the county mask requirement to be in effect. Nichols was in favor of keeping the Sept. 1 date, which she said would give students a chance to reconnect and get back into school habits. Herren noted that families have made plans based on Sept. 1 being the start date.
Also Monday, the board:
-- Approved Smith-Cotton Hall of Fame induction for Anne Gardner and Scott Gardner (Academic), Jeff Mays (Athletic) and Tom Munson (Athletic).
-- Approved the Assessment and Professional Development manuals.
-- Approved the purchase card agreement with Equity Bank.