DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred school board’s first official business on Tuesday evening was to suspend a policy that requires a quorum of members to be physically present to hold meetings. The policy will be suspended during the COVID-19 crisis to better allow all board members to participate in meetings and minimize risk to personal health.
Superintendent Matthew Splain overviewed the continuity of education plan that the district had implemented and started on April 2. The complete education plan, which includes goals, expectations for teaching and learning, communication tools and strategies, and a full list of resources, can be found on the district’s website, www.ottoeldred.org.
Splain gave an update on the repairs currently being implemented to the elementary school roof. The roof project started a bit earlier than anticipated due to the school closure. The contractor received permission from the state to continue working. The insulation installed in the 1980s addition caused an issue with the metal decking.
“We knew that could be an issue, we just didn’t anticipate the degradation in that area of the building. We should see the project complete before the end of April, as always, weather permitting,” explained Splain.
Continuing with administrative reports, high school principal Harley Ramsey reported that he was holding weekly video conferences with high school staff. Each teacher is personally contacting at least 12 students per week by phone to maintain a personal connection. Dual enrollment courses are progressing to meet both O-E’s requirements and aligning with the guidance of the participating colleges.
Currently only about 2% of high school students still need internet access. Mobile hotspots are being prepared for distribution in the next couple of days, which should resolve nearly all access issues, according to Ramsey. Additional Wi-Fi access points have been placed near the exterior of both buildings to enhance curbside internet access for families with need.
Physical education has moved to enrichment activities designed to encourage healthy activities for students and their families, said Ramsey. The Career and Technical Center is offering instructional activities through online delivery and paper-based alternatives.
Principal of Elementary and Special Education Lindsay Burns reported that at the elementary school, they have worked closely with parents to ensure they have the technology, technology support and resources available to support their children at home. They have had contact with 100% of the school’s students. Teachers have worked tirelessly to plan and provide an educational program in the home knowing that parents will need additional supports as well, she said.
In regard to special education, Burns said they will continue to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students to the greatest extent possible. Students with disabilities and serviced with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP) or 504 plan should have received a letter in the mail. If further questions arise, parents are encouraged to contact Burns.
The administrators all agreed that meal prep and delivery was the district’s first priority during the onset of school shutdown. They applauded the cafeteria staff, custodial staff and transportation staff that made meal deliveries happen. The district is currently delivering approximately 500 meals a day to the students’ bus stops. Splain further explained that with Act 13 adopted, O-E will pay Todd’s bussing for 180 days worth of school. The lunch deliveries made now would be covered by the payment. The state transportation subsidy would remain unchanged.
In new business, the board reviewed the passing of Senate Bill 751, which states that all districts shall pay staff as if the school year continued. Splain recommended and the board approved this direction with the understanding that payments made include work performed if and when school re-opens as normal prior to June 30, 2020, and any work performed from home during the closure.
The 2020-21 Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 proposed general operating budget was approved with Otto-Eldred’s part of budget listed at $14,390.
The board approved a waiver for the community service requirement for Class of 2020 seniors to graduate. Seniors will be able to graduate without their community service requirement due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The approval of supplemental positions was tabled until a later date. Those positions that were set for approval can wait until other supplemental positions are placed.
The last order of business was to set the last day of school date. Board member Lisa Beaver asked if they could wait till the next board meeting to make final decisions and see if students return to school. Tentatively, the students’ last day will be June 4 and the last teacher day will be an in-service day on June 5 (moved from May 29). However, if by the May board meeting members know that schools would not re-open, the last day would be moved back to the original last day on May 28. This would mean May 29-June 3 would become Act 80 days, which are professional development days for staff.
