Meeker High School Principal Brad Buxton informed Board of Education members Monday night that a districtwide survey shows 77 percent of those responding prefer the traditional method of starting school next month.
Buxton told board members the other 23 percent favor between virtual and blended learning.
In response to a question by a board member, Buxton said, “Only seven percent of students do not have any Internet service at all, 80 percent have Internet service and 20 percent some or none.”
Buxton also advised in response to the survey the school is making staffing changes and including an online curriculum. His comments came during his principal’s report.
Later in his report, School Supt. Jeff Pruitt said, “What the school year will look like we’re not sure. We’ll know something after the State Board of Education meeting July 23.”
“Will there be a mask mandate for all students? Hang on, I think the state board meeting will give us some guidance with that,” Pruitt told board members.
He assured the board, “We want to do what is right for the kids. I’m not going to make a knee jerk reaction to things. I do think some things will change,” he added.
Middle School Dean of Students Virgil Fowler said in this school year four electives will be offered to students in nine-week increments. One will be archery, another will be construction math, a third is STEM and another is computer programming.
Athletic Director Brad Seaborn informed the board that participating athletes have made it through Phases 1 and 2 with none of them having COVID related problems.
“On July 15 fast pitch will get after it and on July 27 Cross Country will get started,” he said.
Without the need for an executive session, the board hired a new high school baseball coach who will teach math and two other people.
Dillon Endecott is the new baseball coach. Anya Harness was hired as an elementary school aide and Rebecca Powell was employed as an Adjunct Teacher who will teach Earth Science.
Endecott is coming from McLoud where he was the head baseball coach last year. He also has coached at Chandler and Wellston.
In new business, the board accepted the retirement of Schatzi Baker effective Dec. 18 and approved a Distance Learning Plan that will enable Pruitt to apply for a grant that will help those who have no Internet service, he told the board.
In other business, the board:
Approved annual continuing resolutions for 2020-2021.
Approved the Meeker School Salary Schedule for 2020-2021.
Agreed to convert from a day calendar to hours for the 2020-2021 school year.
Agreed to a contract with Rider Classroom for Spanish for 2020-2021. Pruitt advised the board, “We’re trying to better serve our kids by doing this.”
Approved a contract with Jennifer James, Physical Therapist for 2020-2021.
Approved high school, middle school and elementary school handbooks for the 2020-2021 school year.
Accepted a quote from Flowers Bakery for bread products for 2020-2021.
Accepted a quote from Hiland Dairy for dairy products for 2020-2021.
Approved a number of policy updates.