School board meets, COVID-19 testing to be offered July 27, 28

Posted July 21, 2020 at 2:54 pm

Clinton County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Monday at the old Central Office board room with all members present. Three members attended in person while two were in attendance via teleconference.

The meeting opened with a moment of inspiration delivered by Bro. Greg Wells, who touched on the trying times we are living in, especially for educators. However, he gave a short message of hope in the times we are facing.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Parson then recognized some younger educators who had taken the first class of leadership roles in the district and six retiring teachers were also recognized during the meeting.

Supt. Parson gave his monthly report, with several topics listed, but the primary discussion was on school reopening guidelines. He noted early social media information, as well as a survey and other information to parents, had been beneficial, saying the district had received a lot of good feedback.

He further stated he felt the majority of parents and citizens were aware of school reopening plans and were not being left in the dark.

Parson also announced there would be a COVID-19 testing site set up on Monday and Tuesday, July 27 and 28, at the back of Albany Elementary School for anyone wanting to get tested.

The tests will be the mouth swab type, he noted, with test times being from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Another major issue is the school district’s facilities plan, which will begin soon and hopefully be completed by next spring.

Much emphasis on how to handle the high school facility will be studied and inserted in the plan.

The board also approved the 2020-21 school year Instruction Day Schedule, with the major change being that school hours will be moved up a half-hour.

School days, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as opposed to 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Code of Pupil Conduct for the coming year was also approved, with only one major change, that being students who vandalize seats on school buses can be required to pay restitution for the damage.

The board approved the job description for the SRO (School Resource Officer), which the district will provide themselves this year, the subject of bass fishing as a sport was discussed briefly.

The superintendent said that several students had shown interest in the alternative sport, and, since last week’s work session, had emailed insurance liability and other information about the sport to board members.

He said details could begin being worked out, but a coach would not be hired until the district gets the go ahead from the KHSAA to proceed with a bass fishing program.

The board also voted to adjust a classified position in the Bitty Bulldog Daycare program from 180 to 230 days per year and voted to established four classified positions to help with spacing of students in smaller groups to coincide with COVID-19 mandates.

There will be one added position at the Early Childhood Center, Albany Elementary, the middle school and one district-wide position that will be based primarily at the high school.

The board also adjusted adult meal prices for the 2020-21 school year; approved an agreement with Midway University to allow students in the education field to shadow teachers in the classroom as part of their course work, and renewed their membership with the Albany-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce for another year.

Finally, the board approved consent agenda items including minutes, subsequent disbursements, payment of bills and Best Practices Annual Acknowledgement.

With no public comments being made, the 40 minute meeting was then adjourned.

The next school board work session is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, and next regular business meeting for Monday, August 17. Both with be at 5 p.m. at the old Central Office board room.