Additional tech added for remote students
Cumby ISD will not be asking their students to return for in-person instruction, per a decision of the Cumby school board at their regular October meeting, among other topics of discussion.
IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Beginning with a work session at 6 p.m., the school board discussed in-person education. Like all Hopkins County schools, Cumby ISD has employed both online learning and in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, both Como-Pickton ISD and Saltillo ISD have requested that students return to in-person education only, as they will terminate the online portion of education.
“Most of our online students are doing really well,” superintendent Shelly Slaughter noted. “It’s a genuine concern of the parents due to COVID, and they’ve been putting in the effort to help their kids.”
However, according to the board, quarantine has caused students to miss school, which causes the board to worry about attendance rates. Slaughter sought guidance from the board.
“We’ve literally had some people quarantine three times,” Slaughter said.
“That’s them just out running around and not being careful,” said board member Jody Jarvis.
“If you’re not following social distancing, there’s not a lot we can do,” board member Marsha Krotky noted.
Slaughter noted that Cumby ISD is following Hopkins County testing protocols and using molecular testing for staff. Slaughter said she is in communication with other Region 8 schools regarding their COVID-19 policies.
“I hope that one day this is all behind us,” said board member Kenny Campbell. “We just need to be smart about it. I’m for protecting the kids and teachers. If it means they need to go home and quarantine and take all precautions… I just don’t want people to be sick and not tell you because they’re in a financial position.”
Slaughter said she agreed.
“It’s just something I want you to keep on your mind,” she noted.
The board did not take any action to enact a resolution to have children return to school for in-person instruction only, and will remain a dual-model campus.
STAR TESTING
The board discussed passing a resolution to send to the Governor’s office saying that Cumby ISD is in favor of forgoing STAR testing for the 2020-2021 school year.
“Because of COVID, what’s being asked is the suspension of STAR testing to modify the accountability ratings for 2021,” Slaughter said.
Although the resolution would not have any effect on whether or not testing takes place, it would make the board’s position clear to legislators, according to Slaughter.
“It’s completely up to you [the board], and I don’t know if it’s going to amount to anything or not,” Slaughter said.
Greenville ISD and Fort Worth ISD are two examples of schools that have already signed such resolutions, Slaughter noted.
“I think we should still test,” board president Jason Hudson said. “We’ve got to have something to assess.” The board agreed.
“We’ve got to test, we’re just saying suspend STAR testing. It makes a difference if everyone says it together,” Slaughter said. “We’re saying ‘why do this if we know kids are behind?’”
The board did not take any action, and continues to consider the resolution.
NEW ROOF
The board unanimously approved the bid for a new roof from Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. The roof will be constructed of Duro-Last 60 millimeter PVC, for a cost to the school of $173,781.51, according to documents given to the school. The roof also comes with a 15-year warranty, the company presented.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology coordinator Jeremy Bain presented that in-school computers are now ready for nightly cataloguing of their contents. School computers are now able to handle much larger file transfers, he said.
The school now also has set up thermal temperature scanners for taking student temperatures as a COVID-19 measure. In addition, the school has received 45 additional laptops from Discount PC to help with student learning during COVID, and another 40 from the HCSO Jail. Bain is currently setting up the laptops for student use, and will be distributing the technology to sixth through twelfth graders. This will achieve the school’s goal of each student having a laptop.