The Newtown-Harris R-2 Board of Education approved a “test to stay” option for COVID-19 and set the filing dates for the April election during a meeting held Friday, Nov. 12.
Board members updated the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and approved a “test to stay” option for both students and staff who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not COVID-positive.
Other action items that received approval included adding “inclement weather” language to the student handbook and changing the regular board meeting date to the second Wednesday of each month. That change will take place beginning with the January meeting.
Board members discussed hiring a school nurse, MAP/EOC data, the Regional Growth Center Report from PRiME and the 2020-21 financial audit, which will be approved in December.
Filing dates for the April 2022 election were set as Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. The terms of Matt Miller and Nancy Halferty will expire as will the term of Justin Oaks, who is filling an unexpired term.
In his report, Superintendent Dr. Lucas McKinnis recognized the various sports teams on their accomplishments and reported that the company that worked on the school roof has come back a couple of times and is very willing to be sure that the district is happy with the work. He said the doors should be finished and then the district will focus on the entry system. A handicapped accessible entry will be installed on the south gym door.
Dr. McKinnis reported on recent meetings and said that there are no “outrageous” increases expected in insurance and the district will know more in January.
Both Dr. McKinnis and Principal Kim Palmer reported on the Veterans Day program, with 13 veterans and many other community members in attendance.
In her report, Ms. Palmer said the MAP/EOC incentive trip for those who scored Proficient or Advanced was held at GameOn in Centerville, IA. The students played laser tag and arcade games and had pizza for lunch. A total of 25 students qualified for the trip and an incentive is being planned for students who showed improvement. She also said a fire safety program for elementary students was recently held as was the “Book Blast.” Four students received treasure chests and one student received an iPad during the event, which saw each student receive at least one book. Some students received as many as 10 books for their home libraries and teachers also earned shopping sprees from the “Book Blast” store.
Several upcoming events were announced, including the high school basketball season, which will get under way with a jamboree at Grundy R-5 on Nov. 18 and Novinger Tournament during the week of Nov. 29; FAFSA Night, also Nov. 18; Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 24-26; Family Reading Night, Dec. 8; and the Christmas Concert, Dec. 10 (backup date is Dec. 16).
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 13.
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