Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met July 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education held a Special Board Meeting regarding Return to School procedures for the 2020-2021 school year on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, in the Board Room. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. The following Members were present: Chris Jones, Becca Kraft, Kara Morey, Monte Hogan, Matt Roush, and Clint Gorden. Member Herbert was absent. Also present were Andy Pygott, Superintendent, Mindy McGuire, middle school principal, and Lori Guebert, elementary school principal.

Andy Pygott presented a Power Point of the current ISBE guidance for RTS (Return to School). He also went over FMLA concerns for staff and that he will be asking all staff their intentions of returning for the 2020-2021 school year. He informed all present that there was not a clear meal availability plan for those students who will choose to remote learn, but will be forthcoming. Andy then went over Regional Board of Education updates and that at the last meeting a school board attorney was present and discussed issues schools could face including the current Clay County lawsuit. The attorney recommended to follow ISBE guidelines as if they are not, this could lead to litigation as well. Also to communicate that facemasks are the preferred for all for RTS, but that face shields would be acceptable. Andy then went over new cleaning procedures and products the district will be using to comply with new cleaning procedures due to COVID 19.

Chris Jones passed out before the meeting started and then presented his revised RTS document. He went over and read aloud sections he added including that the district does not need to follow ISBE or IDPH as these are only guidelines. Part of the amended document included face coverings and that they will be necessary. Discussed were physician waivers for students to not have a face covering and that those who refuse can remote learn. Also, that as a board the RTS document and policies associated with it will be reassessed monthly at the regularly scheduled meeting and more often if necessary. Finally, whatever was decided for a RTS document it should be released by July 13th, when online registration for Meridian will begin.

Becca Kraft then asked multiple questions pertaining to the RTS document and FAQ document that was given to the board by Andy before the meeting. This included availability of “Clorox” wipes, when remote learners can check out Chromebooks, what type of face coverings may not be appropriate for the school day, water bottles for students to reuse in the classroom and not using water fountains as often, and dates of midterm be placed in FAQ document when parents are asked to change from in school to remote learning if they choose for their child to do so.

Andy then went over new cleaning procedures and products the district will be using to comply with new cleaning procedures due to COVID 19. It was then discussed what will be done with elective courses due to the shortened school day. Andy responded that electives will most likely suffer. Drivers Education at this point will still have behind the wheel and have 4 riders per car. Also, band (Mr Hicks) will be offered another section to comply with guidelines and adhere to social distancing.

Monte Hogan then asked if continual updates can be given for those students who decide to remote learn vs in class participate. At least monthly but more often if needed and be included in the Friday update given by Andy. It was also discussed what will occur if a student or staff is confirmed COVID + and how the school will need to address and possible closure and reopening procedures.

Multiple questions were addressed including extracurricular participation by those who choose remote learning, and attendance at sporting events if they should occur during the year. Also the schedule for MES, MMS, and MHS. However, at this time, Pre-K times will not be included on the document as this is a grant and may have different procedures that need to be followed. Finally, new student registration is August 3rd, and all returning families are asked to use the SIS system to register and if that is not a viable option, to call the appropriate school for direction.

The meeting ended with a verbal agreement that any documents should be “finalized” by July 8 and that this will be a changing document.

The meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm on a motion by Member Roush and seconded by Member Morey.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/808315/7-7-20_special_mtg.pdf