MITCHELL – The Mitchell Community Schools have not changed their COVID-19 policy even though some schools, businesses, and local governments have loosened their policies.
“There was another rash of positive COVID -19 cases in the school corporation this week. Some may have been attributed to the Easter holiday,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Comer during the school board meeting Monday evening.
“I want to brag on our nursing staff for the amazing job they have done. I have no criticisms for the job they have done,” added Dr. Comer.
On Monday, 70 students were tested at the Emerson gym to make sure they were able to return to school. All those students were cleared to return to the classroom with negative tests.
“This has not only been worse because of the COVID-19 policies that we have in place in all of our buildings.,” Dr. Comer added. ” There were a couple of cases at Burris but has not effected beyond that classroom.”
There was consideration to loosen the restrictions within the corporation but the Mitchell Community Schools decided to keep the current policies in place as an added protection for the students.
In other business:
- Approved the closing of Class of 2019 and 2020 accounts and transfer remaining balances
- Approved the Summer school plans for Hatfield and Burris Elementary. Hatfield KG-2 Math/ELA Remediation June 7-18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Burris 3-5 Math/ELS Remediation June 7-18 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Approved the 2021-2022 Mitchell Junior High and High School Virtual Learning plans
- Approved the Keyless Entry Project for all Mitchell Community School campuses the plan to have the project completed before the next school year
- Approved $2,000 Summer Basketball Program stipends for Varsity Boys and Girls Coach
Dr. Comer gave an update on the ESSER grant funding round number which over one million dollars was given to the corporation.
“We are using this funding on programs that will sustainable long after the grant funding is dried up,” said Dr. Comer.
The next round of grant funding is expected to come in around $2.1 million which also appears to be less restrictive on what those funds can be used for.
Personnel Changes:
- Hank Wintczak – Retirement after 43 years teaching, 40 years at the Mitchell Community Schools effective May 24, 2021
- Nancy Glair – Retirement- Mitchell High School custodian effective May 21, 2021
- Vanessa Brooks – Retirement – Hatfield Elementary Aide – effective May 21, 2021
- Kelli Lucas – Resignation – Bus #26 driver effective April 23, 2021
New Hires:
- Joel Parsons – Hatfield Elementary Grade 2 Teacher effective April 12, 2021
- Levi Lotz – Mitchell High School Media teacher, Mitchell Community Schools Media coordinator effective August 2, 2021
Leave Requests:
- Taylor Baker – Hatfield Elementary Clinic Aide August 4, 2021 – October 27,2021
Extra-Curricular:
- Jason Bowden – Mitchell Junior High School Boys Track Coach – 2020 -2021 School year
- Crystal Miller – Mitchell Junior High School Girls Track Coach – 2020-2021 School year
