ELDRED — The Otto-Eldred School Board met on Wednesday for their regularly scheduled board meeting, discussing a wide variety of topics.
At the beginning of the meeting, Brandon Witmer, along with three Future Farmers of America (FFA) members discussed how well the program was going, despite starting it during a pandemic. He discussed how the students have been having a lot of fun, engaging in activities such as making turkey calls, making goat soap, and creating their own greenhouses.
The following individuals were approved as substitutes for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year: James Martin, substitute custodian; Jennifer McDonald, substitute aide; Jessica Prescott, substitute aide; and Erica Bacha; substitute nurse.
The following individuals were approved for 2020-2021 supplemental positions: Mike Miller; assistant track coach and Jolene Schuessler, track event coordinator.
As for 2021-2022 supplemental positions, the following were approved: Troy Cook, football head coach; Andrew Schenfield, Boyd Fitzsimmons Ryan Nielsen and Shawn Rounsville, football assistant coaches; Lance Eric Baker, football announcer; Chris Schwab and Jordan Sherwood, football volunteers; Mike Miller, cross country coach; Kirstin Perry, Amy Coffman, and Wanda Stebbins, cross country event workers; Fawn Miller, volleyball head coach; Amanda App, volleyball jr. high coach; and Amber App, volleyball jr. high assistant coach.
The approval for a summer/remediation camp was also given by the board. For the camp, teachers would be able to create a three to four day themed camp with math ELA and PE activities. Federal funding would pay for all costs.
It was also reported at the meeting that the free lunch program would be continuing through the summer.
As for spring planning, it was approved that community service hours be cut down from 20 to 10 hours, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the board agreed upon going ahead with graduation plans. The proposal was to hold graduation in the football stadium. Using the current 20% outdoor capacity, the school would be able to host students in the home stands, while putting chairs out in ‘pods’ to social distance families. The school plans on renting chairs to provide for the families.
The board also approved for prom to take place this year, abiding by current COVID-19 restrictions.
One staff member asked whether there were going to be any chorus or band concerts. It was discussed that, even if they have to do something live in the gym, they can broadcast it for people to watch online. A possible modified IU9 band experience outdoors was also discussed.
In regards to building planning, it was discussed that the preschool needs an updated heating/ventilation system, which would fall under ESSERS funding. Additionally, new ovens are needed for the cafeterias, as well as new refrigeration. These would all fall under the ‘Guaranteed Energy Savings Project’ (GESA).
While discussing spring sports, it was mentioned that social distancing on bussing will be observed to the greatest extent feasible. Due to the nature of spring sports, a normal schedule will be maintained. Events will be reviewed based on the anticipated number of teams/locations/competitors. Student athletes will be required to wear face coverings at all times per the PA mask mandate unless appropriately distanced.
