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BLUE EARTH – The Blue Earth Area School Board spent a fair amount of time at its Monday night meeting, October 4, discussing the current local COVID-19 situation.
Board members heard an update by phone from Dr Aaron Johnson of the United Hospital District about current health guidelines.
“My fear is that we have a wave of COVID virus here and that we have really sick children”, Johnson said. “And no one wants to see this.”
Johnson said he believes the masks definitely help prevent the spread of the virus, but understands concerns that it is a warrant.
“Personally, I don’t want to feel like I gave this to someone (COVID)”, he said. “But forcing someone is contrary to what we’re doing in the United States. We’re making it harder than it should be.”
Superintendent Mandy Fletcher said she and school nurse Anne Crofton have weekly phone meetings with Dr Johnson, as well as video meetings with other schools.
Fletcher sent a letter to parents on Friday, October 1, which detailed plans the school has put in place to help the school increase mask wear among all students.
Although the school does not mandate the wearing of masks, it now strongly recommends that all students and staff wear masks and follow other safety protocols. Before, their position was to encourage the wearing of masks.
School nurse Crofton also reported on a grant the school received to purchase 400 COVID rapid result test kits.
These will be given to students with symptoms, but only with parental approval.
Superintendent Fletcher said it was part of the school’s plan to be completed when parents and students do not have access to COVID testing, a decision made after the school learned there was a shortage of test kits.
In other business of the meeting, the board:
– Heard from several citizens during the public comment portion of the meeting who expressed concerns over the cancellation of a veterans salute ceremony scheduled for the return match at the BEA.
Superintendent Fletcher said the program was canceled because he felt it should be done at another time, and not during all get-home activities.
– I learned from Fletcher that enrollment in BEA schools was up from last year, at 1,052 K-12 students as of October 1. Last year, registrations were 1,033 on the same date.
Fletcher also informed the board of directors of the upcoming American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in Blue Earth Area. Fletcher said the school district will receive $ 1.5 million in what is also known as the Esser III funds.
– I heard an update from Alison Schmidt, Director of Programs and Education. She reported on the progress of selecting a new math program for all grade levels.
The current program is at least 20 years old, she said. The choice of the new curriculum will be made during this school year, and in place for next year.
– Accepted the resignations of John Wirkus as Guardian and Gary Holmseth as Technology Integrator. Board Chair Sue Rosenau thanked them for their years of service.
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