Clinton County is just one of six Kentucky school districts, of 171 in the state, that has chosen not to implement a mask mandate in it’s facilities during this COVID-19 pandemic.

That decision by the Clinton County Board of Education came during a work session last Thursday and regular business meeting Monday of this week

Both meetings also dealt with several combined items.

During last week’s work session, the board, on a split 3-2 vote and following some discussion, opted to make mask wearing for both school students and staff “voluntary” rather than “mandatory,” as had been the case since the start of the school year.

After the non-action work session, the board discussed approval of the re-opening plan, leading to discussion on the mask issue with board members and some educators that were present.

The board basically touched on a trio of options, including a recommendation by Superintendent Parson that the mandate stay in place through October 22.

Also discussed was the possibility of making a decision week by week depending on COVID case numbers and the other being to make mask wearing voluntary across the board.

Following the discussion, Marcum moved to make the wearing of mask sfor both students and teachers voluntary, with the motion passing by board members Ronald Albertson and Bobbie Stone voting yes and board members Gary Norris and board chair Leslie Stockton voting no.

The resulting vote means Clinton County school district will join Gallatin, Hickman and Mercer County schools, as well as the Burgin and Science Hill Independent Schools districts, as the only districts in Kentucky that will not continue to have mandatory mask use at the present time.

The board also voted unanimously to approve the KDE (Kentucky Department of Education) incentive of giving school staff a one-time incentive payment of $100 to have the COVID vaccination.

In other business

They also approved a school overnight trip prior to entering into a lengthy closed session on personnel, with no action being taken upon returning to open session.

All board members were present for both the work session/meeting and regular business meeting.

During Monday night’s regular business meeting, primarily general items of business were discussed, including the approval of the 2021-22 school year working budget.

Dr. Parson opened the meeting with the Moment of Inspiration, giving five principals of Biblical leadership, followed by the approval of the adoption of the meeting agenda.

Under Bulldog Boost, the CCHS Girls’ Volleyball team (which was playing a match that evening) were recognized for winning their fifth consecutive All “A” 4th Region Championship.

Parson then gave the monthly superintendent’s report, noting that virtual learning for students who require it has begun and also mentioned the passage of SB1 (Senate Bill) giving more local decision making to school districts.

Finance Director Courtney Norris then gave her monthly finance report, which was followed by the board acknowledging the monthly personnel report.

The board, on a motion by Gary Norris, approved the 2021-22 fiscal year working budget which totals $19,444,521.94. Courtney Norris noted the district currently had $3.4 million in contingency and 56 percent of the budget was for salaries.

Also on a motion by Norris, the board voted unanimously to give approval to the superintendent to utilize virtual instruction days as needed under SB1.

Parson said 20 remote learning days had been granted and could be used in different ways, such as for small groups, classes, etc. as needed.

* On a motion by Marcum, approved an agreement with Passages of Kentucky, LLC to provide student mental health services;

* On a motion by Norris, voted to establish a virtual teacher position at Clinton County Middle School;

* On a motion by Marcum, voted to establish two Instructional Assistant positions at the Early Childhood Center;

* On a motion by Norris, voted to establish an Instructional Assistant Special Needs position at Albany Elementary;

* On a motion by Marcum, voted to hire a full-time substitute cook/baker position district-wide, a classified position.

The board then approved the monthly consent items including minutes, leave of absence, subsequent disbursements and claims and bills.

Under public comments, Derek and Jessica Phillips, with Deco Architects of Somerset, introduced themselves and their firm, offering the board any assistance they (the board) may need.

A Clinton native, Kyle Choate, is employed by the architectural firm and was also present at the meeting.

The approximate 25 minute session was then adjourned.

The next Clinton County Board of Education work session is scheduled for Thursday, October 14, and next regular business meeting for Monday, October 18. Both sessions begin at 5 p.m. at the Clinton College and Career Center on Hwy. 90 West and are open to the general public.