Meeker students begin the new fall term today and school officials indicate the overwhelming majority of them will attend traditionally.
School Supt. Jeff Pruitt told Board of Education members during their Monday night meeting, “We had a good start today,” referring to teachers and staff returning for professional days.
“It was good to see all our teachers today. Everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits. We talked about CDC guidelines and informed them of the $131,000 in CARES Act money the district had received,” he explained.
For those students attending traditionally, it will be the first time since March they will be in a classroom. The COVID-19 Coronavirus forced schools to shut their doors, then later finish a shortened year virtually.
Pruitt has previously advised the board the district is offering three options for students, the traditional classroom setting, attending virtually and blended, a combination of those two.
Pruitt reported to the board the district had received it’s state allocation of funds and “We are down $261,000. We have to watch our student numbers closely,” he added.
He advised the board, “I think the next couple of years will be tough.”
Elementary Principal Candice Gatz in her report advised the board that traditional enrollment is at 250 and 29 at this time are planning to attend virtually for a total of 279.
“That compares with 357 from a year ago at this time,” she said.
That’s a difference of 78 students. Gatz also noted “We have eight new staff members this year.”
Pruitt said Middle School enrollment stands at 152.
High School Principal Brad Buxton in his report said enrollment is about 250 total students with 81 of those virtual.
Board members, without going into executive session, hired John Bolander as high school counselor, Aleecia Dudgeon as an elementary teacher, Russell Fletcher, maintenance and custodian and Pat Hargus, Adjunct teacher for government.
They accepted the resignations of Schatzi Baker, high school counselor, Leah Willis, elementary teacher and Steve Geary, maintenance/custodian.
The board realigned itself. Ashley Sellers is now president of the board, Lindel Standlee remained vice president and Bret Wood was elected clerk.
The board agreed to the cost of adult meal prices that includes an increase. Pruitt explained the proposed increase is requested in order to meet the required guidelines through the USDA school lunch program.
The increases include:
Breakfast $1.85 to $1.90.
Lunch $3.85 to $4.
Snack 95 cents to $1.
Board members approved a quote from Elite Coatings for $14,732 to construct a press box at the baseball field.
In other business the board members: Approved updates to the district’s CLEP Plan.
Agreed to a contract for Secondary Career and Technology Education Program for 2020-2021.
Approved waiver/deregulation for the Middle School and High School Library.
Agreed to high school graduation and senior panel guidelines.