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Simpson County School Board met Thursday, July 9, 2020. Dr. Sanders presented to the board three possible solutions of how school would start back. Either option chosen can and will be flexible.
- Option 1 – Traditional Return – All students and faculty would return to school 5 days a week with safety protocols according to CDC guidelines. Students temperatures will be taken as students exit bus and vehicles before entering the schools.
- Option 2 – Hybrid – Students would be divided into two groups. Group A would attend on Monday and Wednesday and Group B Tuesday and Thursday. Fridays would be for the bottom 25% of students for support, tutoring, etc. The school district would work with siblings to make sure they are grouped for the same day.
- Option 3 – Virtual – Google classroom and packets would be distributed to the children. This is not an option at this time due to CARES money has not been distributed and the supply and demand for Chromebooks. Chromebook might not be available until after Christmas.
Students temperatures will not be taken as students board the busses. The Superintendent encouraged parents that can to please make arrangements for children to be transported to school whenever possible.
Board President Danny Cowart advised Dr. Sanders a decision needed to be made immediately. Parents needed to know how school was going to return.
A survey was sent to all parents of the district. Out of approximately 3500 students last year 1,546 parents answered surveys. The results were:
- 9.4% – would not send students back to school
- 46.2 – Undecided
- 44.4 – Would send students back to school
The board voted to delay until the October meeting on presenting Option 5.0 to the public for consolidation and purchasing of the Pioneer building. Revisiting in October will allow the board time to see how the schools reopen and what effect if any is in attendance.
Dr. Sanders presented certified and non-certified staff handbooks for review. A special called board meeting will be held July 23, 2020 for final approval.
The board approved to hire 2 new Academic Interventionist for Magee Middle and Mendenhall Junior High Schools. These positions will only last for 1 school year due to funding. These are Title 1 positions funded by Federal funds only. These positions will work with the bottom 25% struggling leaners in ELA or Math.
Each school safety plan was approved with the exception of COVID-19 Plan of Action. The COVID-19 Plan of Action will be added as an amendment at future board meeting.
Simpson Central Dance Constitution submitted to the board was approved.
In Child Nutrition there will be no increase in lunch and breakfast meal plans. The following is a breakdown of the cost of each meal:
- Paid Students
- Student Breakfast – $1.50
- Student Lunch -$2.75
- Reduced Students
- Student Breakfast – $ .30
- Student Lunch – $.40
- Adults
- Adult Breakfast – $2.25
- Adult Lunch – $3.50
The school board approved the 2020-2021 School Year Budget. Originally, the district was expecting a 6-12% tax cut from the state. During the budget hearing, a 10% tax cut was proposed. At the time of Thursday’s board meeting, the district was notified only a 3.5% tax cut would be received. Due to the last minute vetoing of a bill by the governor, the budget could require a future amendment depending upon the outcome of a revised legislative bill.
The board approved the IDSA Part B and Preschool Budget for 2020-2021 presented by Jeanie Pigg.
With no further business meeting was recessed until July 23rd for a special called meeting.
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