Other grades see little change
The Sulphur Springs Independent School District appointed county Extension agents as adjunct professors, among other items of business at the district’s September regular meeting on Sept. 14.
After convening at 6 p.m., the SSISD board unanimously approved their previous meeting minutes. The board then opened the floor for public comments. No citizens delivered public comments, and the comment portion was closed at 6:04 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Superintendent Michael Lamb gave the attendance report to those assembled. According to Lamb, the school has 4,380 students enrolled in 2020 versus 4,420 enrolled in 2019. Furthermore, said Lamb, the proportion of those in kindergarten has decreased.
“We’re thinking people are thinking, ‘While everything is down, I’m just going to keep the kids home,’” Lamb speculated. “We’re not really sure what will come of that.”
Outside of kindergarten, though, Lamb said attendance was “as healthy as we’ve ever been.”
“Had COVID not happened, our enrollment would be up,” he said.
Additionally, approximately 20% district-wide of students are engaging in fully online learning, Lamb noted.
The group then took an executive session 6:11- 6:13 p.m. The group unanimously approved personnel matters.
SCHOOL HEALTH ACTION
The school health action committee, which meets four times yearly, informed the school board of their progress in 2020. The group has already met twice this year and is composed of school nurses and counselors, community in-schools reps, the athletic trainer, a local doctor, community representatives and high school students. The committee has 24 members total.
A major focus of the group this year has been vape pens and vaping, said Chairperson Veronica Arnold. The group also completed a wellness plan, which approved diet soft drinks in the vending machines on school grounds at the high school level.
Amy Glenn will now be taking over as the committee chairperson.
OTHER ITEMS
• The board unanimously approved tax credits and supplements, delinquent tax credits, financial statements and bills for August 2020 and quarterly investments ending Aug. 31, 2020.
The board unanimously approved an organizational flowchart for Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center.
The board unanimously approved Head Start mission and philosophy statements, and first meal policy.
The board unanimously appointed Johanna Hicks and Dr. Mario Villarino of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension as adjunct professors and designated 4-H as an extracurricular activity.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.