Wellington school board meeting roundup – including updated COVID-19 safety plan
Sumner Newscow report — Below is a Wellington School Board meeting report by communication director Shelby Metcalf concerning the Sept. 13, 2021 meeting.
Discussion Items:
FFA National Convention
Linda Chase is interested in attending the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., with her students. She brought two FFA students to talk about the benefits of the FFA convention and the educational benefits it entails, including building stronger leadership skills and networking. Their goal in attending the conference is to grow as leaders. Mrs. Chase indicated that she would like to take eight students on the trip. They broke down the cost of the trip and indicated it would be paid for by FFA members attending and fundraising.
A motion passed 7-0 to approve the FFA to travel to Indiana for the conference.
Negotiated Agreement
The 2021-22 Negotiated Agreement has been ratified by the teachers. It was presented to the BOE for discussion and possible action.
A motion passed 7-0 to approve the negotiated agreement as presented for one year.
USD 353 Safety and Operation Plan
The Safety and Operation Plan was discussed at a September 1 special BOE meeting. It was up for discussion again with additional criteria options. The new criteria for masks were presented to the BOE. The criteria options were presented by district and building by building. Holly Parkey, USD 353 nurse, gave up to date positive case numbers. Mr. Hatfield indicated that the USD 353 medical team recommendation was to keep masking districtwide.
The BOE allowed parents in attendance to ask questions and make comments. The discussion centered around the mask portion of the plan and the criteria for wearing or not wearing masks in schools. They also discussed the testing program. The BOE indicated needing a special meeting to continue discussing the plan and criteria further.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the revised Safety and Operation Plan using the building by building masking criteria option.
Motion passed 6-1. The most current revised plan can be found on the USD 353 website here.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
The BOE requested to discuss Parent-Teacher Conferences in the district. They indicated that they would like to poll parents/guardians during conference time to receive feedback on student-led conferences. They inquired about the student-led conferences at WHS and if students were graded on them. The BOE inquired whether or not coaches who were teachers were required to be at conferences. Building administrators in attendance provided clarification and additional information on student-led conferences in their buildings.
Action Items:
Restructuring
Last month, the BOE was presented with material that the district would like to use in the community to discuss the restructuring of the district. The BOE gave feedback and updated material was presented for approval.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the restructuring information. Motion passed 7-0.
Executive Session:
A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for 1 hour to discuss non-elected personnel.
Motion passed 7-0.
A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for 30 minutes to continue discussions on non-elected personnel. Motion passed 7-0.
Consent Agenda:
•Approve the Minutes of the August 9th, August 23rd and September 1st Meetings
•Approve Payroll and Bills Payroll: $309,572.89
Bills: $2,581,344.32 Transfers: Vocations- $50,000
At Risk-$200,000
•Approve Resolution For FSA’s
•Approve New Hires
-Mya Sowersby- Para- Lincoln Elementary
-Elizabeth Zimmerman- Para – Washington Elementary
-Chelsee McGuire-Para-WMS
-Cynthia Palmer- Para-Eisenhower Elementary
-Katelyn Harris- Para-WMS
-Avery Crossman – Para WMS
-Brett Clark- Maintenance
-Cynthia Cooney- Para- Lincoln Elementary
-Kimberly Ledesma- Covid Support Aide
-Krystal Scobee-Para- Eisenhower Elementary
•Approve Transfers
-Kaydland Arebalo- Para- Eisenhower to Para Lincoln Elementary
A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion passed 7-0.
Board Member Comments
–BOE inquired about the E-gaming proposal. Dr. Kern indicated that she would bring in someone to give more information and answer questions.
-BOE inquired about the ESP energy audit that was done at WHS. Mr. Hatfield indicated that the audit was complete and the results would be available in the coming weeks.
