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Covid, quarantined, and virtual were the main topics at the Simpson County School Board Thursday, August 13, 2021 meeting. With two weeks into school, the county is exceeding numbers compared to December last year.
Judith Jones, Director of COVID for the district, updated the board on the status of each school concerning the COVID issues. Magee High School experienced outbreaks with three or more students in three or more areas. According to CDC when this situation happens, an outbreak is considered. School must close for 14 days. The students at Magee High School switched to virtual during this time. The students will return to in person class Thursday, August 19, 2021.
Magee Elementary was forced to close and switch to virtual Thursday, August 12th through Monday, August 16th, 2021. The students will return to class Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Magee Elementary was closed due to shortage of teachers. Numerous teachers are out due to COVID or quarantined. The district made the decision to switch to virtual for 3 school days to give the quarantine time for the teachers and return to school. Again, the elementary school was not closed due to any outbreak, but because of shortage of teachers.
All remaining schools within the district are seeing high numbers in quarantine but average numbers of positive cases. The problem is one positive case could result in numerous quarantined students.
The school nurse uses a tape measure starting from the source that is positive and a six-foot circumference. If the tape touches a student or their desk, the student is sent home to quarantine. While quarantined, the student must participate virtually, or they are considered absence.
Masks are still mandated for indoors. The Board feels virtual is not the answer for educating our students. But, this year with many of the kinks worked out, virtual seems to be moving smoothly.
The district will continue to monitor each student and school closely.
The consent agenda with all travel request, contracts, and disposals were approved.
The board approved the 2021-2022 operating budget.
16 Section Manager Tom McAlpin presented the 2022 Mississippi Forestry Commission Authorizations for Service request that was approved by the board.
Dr. Holloway, Superintendent, presented a report showing the ratio of teachers to students for each school. The idea goal is to be 20% or under. Some schools are at the percentage, and some are over. The goal is to observe the schools with higher class room ratios and begin a plan adding teacher units.
Dr. Holloway advised the board school enrollment was up to 3173 for the new school year.
With no further business meeting was adjourned.
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