Gallon sized containers of hand sanitizer and masks are among the supplies that have been ordered by Riverside Local Schools for the upcoming school year, as the district and others around the state continue to await official announcements regarding how 2020-21 will unfold during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday evening during the board of education meeting, Superintendent Scott Mann said fortunately, there is currently a bill in process by state legislators that would give local school districts and their local health department the control to determine how to safely reopen and operate during the health crisis.
Governor Mike DeWine also has previously said that he plans for students to return to K-12 schools in the fall, but districts are waiting to find out the specific guidelines.
After learning about the potential for local decision-making to opening the schools, Mann related he has been in contact with the other Logan County superintendents and Logan County Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott regarding hosting ”semi-regular meetings” to collaborate on various pandemic practices and scenarios.
Recently, the district has consulted with the health commissioner to determine how to safely resume athletic workouts for student athletes. Dr. Hoddinott also is currently working with Riverside to plan marching band practice procedures, including recommendations to practice outdoors.
“Dr. Hoddinott has been really helpful in addressing our questions and concerns,” Mann said. “As someone who also is charged with ‘making the rules’ I respect and value his position and the advice he’s providing. He is very detailed in his responses to our e-mails.”
While many particulars are yet to be determined, the superintendent said the gallon-sized hand sanitizer will be available in each of the classrooms. Many of the elementary classrooms also have sinks available that will be designated as hand washing stations.
Whether in-person or distance learning will be offered, the district has invested in Chromebook technology in recent years, so that “we have enough Chromebooks for all students,” Mann said.
The district’s preschool program also is under daycare guidelines during the pandemic, so only nine students will be permitted in a classroom. Currently, all nine spots are filled for both the morning and afternoon preschool, the superintendent noted.
Also at the meeting, members approved the continuation of the school resource officer agreement with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office for 2020-21 at cost of $35,717, the same rate as last school year. Retired Deputies Roy Pulfer and Jean Stanfield will each continue their positions at the district, with one working three days per week and the other two days a week for five-day a week coverage.
The board also approved a change order amounting to $14,140 for asphalt work conducted by H&S Asphalt this summer.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the resignation of Bryce Hodge, intervention specialist, effective May 21; however, he will continue to serve as a football coach for the district, officials said;
• accepted the resignations of paraprofessionals Keri Jo Kean and Judith Winthrow, effective May 21 and June 9, respectively;
• extended the following classified contracts for 2020-21: three-year — Erica Heitkamp, speech; two-year — Angie Shoe, administrative assistant; Angela Monroe, paraprofessional; Kayla Castallante, bus driver; Valerie Scott, cook; Gwen Heath, EMIS; one-year — Connie Blaess, cook; Terri Mees, bus aide;
• approved Connie Blaess as a long-term substitute custodian;
• extended the following supplemental contracts for advisor positions: Stephanie Smith, Lindsay Wyan, senior class; Stacey Fauley, Lucinda Fleming, junior class; Stephanie Smith, Victoria Hess, high school student council; Nancy Dunham, junior high student council; Mandy Cotterman, elementary student council; Andy Phelps, National Honors Society; Gwen Heath, yearbook; Debbie Gonterman, co-Interact, Title Family School Partnership; Dawn Core, co-Interact; Brandi Thompson, Model United Nations; Abby Jenkins, Riverside Professional Development Committee, solo/ensemble vocal, high school choir, middle school instrumental music 5-8, elementary vocal music K-6, elementary art club; Kasandera Knief, marching/concert band, pep/jazz band, solo/ensemble instrumental, middle school instrumental music 5-8, elementary vocal music K-6, elementary musical; Stacey Fauley, Kelly Kauffman, Mason Bryan, Riverside Professional Development Committee; Kellea Wilkinson, Title Math; Dawn Core, Title Reading;
• extended the following athletic supplemental contracts: Rod Yoder, athletic director, $21,220; Tim McGill, assistant athletic director, $2,850; and Angie Shoe,, athletic administrative assistant, $1,000;
• extended the following other supplemental contracts: Gwen Heath, social media coordinator; Angie Shoe, transportation administrative assistant; and Nikki Jenkins, substitute coordinator;
• approved the program services agreement between Midwest Regional Educational Service Center and Riverside Local School District for 2020-21;
• approved the contract with Gibson Consulting for Director of Special Education Services at rate of $372 per day, up to 133 days not to exceed $49,500, plus mileage to any trainings at IRS approved rate effective Aug. 1, through June 30, 2021; and
• approved the Gibson Consulting contract amendment for additional 12.5 days at current contract rate for services needed in May and June 2020.
The next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the school library.