Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
The Morrison Community Unit School District #6 Board of Education announced at the February 22, 2021, session that students would be returning to a five-day schedule. This will begin at the start of the fourth quarter, on Wednesday, March 17.
Outline of the return guidelines state
- Students/parents must declare how the student will attend ( remotely or in-person) prior to Monday, March 8.
- Wednesday dismissal time will be 1:05 p.m. This allows staff to continue to communicate with remote students.
- Dismissal for the remaining four days (Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday) will be at 2:35 p.m.
- Any student designated to be In-Person will be considered absent if not in attendance at school.
Board member Terri Wilkens commented that the decision to return was not made lightly, and that the Board had many, very lengthy discussions before rendering the final announcement. In other action, the Board agreed to hire Tony Wright, current MHS Wrestling Coach, as the Head Wrestling Coach for the Junior High School. He will be assisted by volunteers John Eastlick, Matt McDonnell, and Bob White.
Other staff alterations included the Board’s acceptance of resignations from Savanna Miska effective May 31, 2021, and Derek McAnally effective February 15, 2021.
School year 2021-2022 calendar was approved, with Tuesday, August 17, as the opening day for teachers and August 18 the first day for students. Christmas break will be from Monday, December 20, through Monday, January 3, 2022. Spring break runs from Monday, March 28, through Friday, April 1, 2022. Students will be required to attend through Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Action was approved to offer the Teacher Retirement System Supplemental Savings Plan to teachers. This 401K plan is offered with each teacher’s option to accept or reject. Acer will continue to be the preferred technical carrier. The Board approved the purchase of 350 Chromebooks and consoles for $76,137.60 and 50 HP Touchscreen Chromebooks and licenses for $15,933.50.
Recognizing a need to establish a solid learning base for the younger students as they enter Morrison schools, the Board approved hiring a Math Interventionist for K-5 and established an action plan to add a “transitional first grade classroom” in the 2021-2022 school year.
Discussion items on the Agenda but lacking action requests included summer Driver’s Education action plan; expansion of the current swimming cooperative to more neighboring schools; safety guidelines for the upcoming MHS prom. Future Board meetings may determine the final action on all discussion items if presented.