Cassville School Board Met September 17
September 23, 2020
Mary Hagens
The major topics of discussion at the September 17th meeting of the Cassville Board of Education concerned updates to the Return to Learn plan, online learning, and health care in addition to regular business.
With over 200 people in quarantine through contact tracing and three active cases of COVID-19, the district has faced new challenges, triggering adjustments to the way the school year is progressing. Of the 200+ people in quarantine, 100 are sixth graders who are now in Engagement Level 3, working through online instruction from teachers via Google Classroom. At the time of the board meeting, an additional 46 students in 7th grade and 54 students in 8th grade were quarantined.
There are 100 students who have chosen to enroll in full time virtual learning through the Launch platform.
As part of their COVID-19 response, the Cassville District is now offering, at no cost, CoxHealth telemedicine services to all students (Pre-K through 12) and to all employees and their dependents. The estimated cost of this program to the district is approximately $60,000. In addition to the telemed system at the elementary school, one will be installed at the high school, providing basic health care access.
The Board reviewed program evaluations of the assessment plan, enrollment statistics, media centers, school safety, wellness program, and fall sports. Copies of these can be found on the Board of Education meeting information tab on the district web page.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes of the August meeting, financial reports, bills, vendors, reports from administrators, and the new substitute list. They also accepted the retirement resignation of Lisa Cooper from the Eunice Thomas Elementary office and congratulated Lisa on her retirement plans.
Director of Learning Traci Mitchell answered questions about the online learning platforms and the availability of Chromebooks to all K-12 students, thanks to assistance from the county CARES program. Technology Director Errick Fuchs has established five Wi-Fi “hotspots” for student access, programmed to accept only District Chromebooks.
Director of Learning Eric White updated the USDA program which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students, Pre-K through 12th grade, through December 31, 2020. School employees have also been offered a subsidy program for a main tray option for breakfast or lunch. Any “a la carte” items will cost extra for both students and employees.
In Action Items, the board reviewed the MSBA 2020A updates to board policy and Federal Title IX. They approved special education service contracts and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Local Compliance Plan Certification.
Board members had an extended discussion on the current issues regarding COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantines, and masking requirements and would appreciate additional feedback from school staff.
Other topics considered included the annual refresher course for the Board of Education and updates on the Vision 150 projects.
After a closed executive session for legal and personnel matters, the Board adjourned.
The major topics of discussion at the September 17th meeting of the Cassville Board of Education concerned updates to the Return to Learn plan, online learning, and health care in addition to regular business.
With over 200 people in quarantine through contact tracing and three active cases of COVID-19, the district has faced new challenges, triggering adjustments to the way the school year is progressing. Of the 200+ people in quarantine, 100 are sixth graders who are now in Engagement Level 3, working through online instruction from teachers via Google Classroom. At the time of the board meeting, an additional 46 students in 7th grade and 54 students in 8th grade were quarantined.
There are 100 students who have chosen to enroll in full time virtual learning through the Launch platform.
As part of their COVID-19 response, the Cassville District is now offering, at no cost, CoxHealth telemedicine services to all students (Pre-K through 12) and to all employees and their dependents. The estimated cost of this program to the district is approximately $60,000. In addition to the telemed system at the elementary school, one will be installed at the high school, providing basic health care access.
The Board reviewed program evaluations of the assessment plan, enrollment statistics, media centers, school safety, wellness program, and fall sports. Copies of these can be found on the Board of Education meeting information tab on the district web page.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, including the minutes of the August meeting, financial reports, bills, vendors, reports from administrators, and the new substitute list. They also accepted the retirement resignation of Lisa Cooper from the Eunice Thomas Elementary office and congratulated Lisa on her retirement plans.
Director of Learning Traci Mitchell answered questions about the online learning platforms and the availability of Chromebooks to all K-12 students, thanks to assistance from the county CARES program. Technology Director Errick Fuchs has established five Wi-Fi “hotspots” for student access, programmed to accept only District Chromebooks.
Director of Learning Eric White updated the USDA program which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students, Pre-K through 12th grade, through December 31, 2020. School employees have also been offered a subsidy program for a main tray option for breakfast or lunch. Any “a la carte” items will cost extra for both students and employees.
In Action Items, the board reviewed the MSBA 2020A updates to board policy and Federal Title IX. They approved special education service contracts and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Local Compliance Plan Certification.
Board members had an extended discussion on the current issues regarding COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantines, and masking requirements and would appreciate additional feedback from school staff.
Other topics considered included the annual refresher course for the Board of Education and updates on the Vision 150 projects.
After a closed executive session for legal and personnel matters, the Board adjourned.