By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Masks not required
Despite the recommendation from the state, the NRHEG Board of Education moved to relax the mask ruling inside the school.
This was the decision of the newly-formed COVID Planning Team who met on August 4.
The revised Safe Return To School Plan now states: “The district will recommend students and staff to wear masks in the building, but at this time there will not be a requirement to wear a mask when at school.”
Other key points of the plan:
“Masks are federally mandated to be worn while using school transportation.
“Contract Tracing will take place when we are made aware of a positive case in school or in school vehicles/busses.
“NRHEG Schools will not be providing distance learning options.
“Students interested in online options should contact their principal.
“All our neighboring school districts have plans that are very similar to this plan,” said Supt. Michael Meihak, “most notably the section recommending masks, but not requiring them.”
Meihak stressed that “This is a live document; mandates may yet come along to change it.”
Motion passed Y:6, N:1.
Superintendent Comments
Upon opening the August meeting of the NRHEG Board of Education, Supt. Meihak stated that the fall football season is now underway, and that the Ellendale Entrance is nearing completion after some “hiccups” with the welding, and some design changes to the arch, but it is possible that the project will be completed before the first day of school.
Student Handbooks
Secondary Principal Dave Bunn reported that the Student Handbook is “moving back to its original format,” returning from the voluminous handbook of last year, which included all the policies.
“We have placed links to full district policies, so that if they are changed, parents and students will have access to the changes.”
New Elementary Principal Nick Jurrens told the board, “We removed some of the COVID language from last year, because currently there are more recommendations than requirements.
“We have also removed some of the lists of rules, in order to keep the tone of the handbook more positive.”
SitelogIQ
SitelogIQ membership was recommended by Supt. Meihak. SitelogIQ is an organization of former school administrators who help districts to develop Long Term Facilities Maintenance plans.
“There is a commitment fee, but that fee is basically waived when we start working with them.”
The district will receive a LTFM plan and recommendations on moving forward.
“I was clear with them that, as we are still at work on the improvements that are currently underway, it’s unlikely that we will start any major projects anytime soon.”
RICK SCHULTZ: “We have no large plan now, but there are still many small things which have not been addressed. Some of these should be on a 10 or 15 year plan.”
The board moved to enter into partnership with SitelogIQ.
Policy Updates
Policies were required to be updated:
419 Tobacco-Free Environment: Adding vaping awareness and prevention instructions.
516 Student Medication: Add provisions regarding storage and return of drugs or medication and regarding unclaimed or abandoned prescription drugs.
601 School District Curriculum and Instructions Goals: Add language regarding dyslexia screening.
607 Organization of Grade Levels: Describes documentation that may verify a student's age for admission.
Workforce
Employment contracts were approved for Mandra Peterson, Elementary Reading Interventionist; Lori Schaehrer, Elementary Kitchen; Loren Skelton, Secondary Paraprofessional; Holly Stene, Secondary Paraprofessional; Richard Bergstrom, Secondary Custodial; Melissa Rodriguez, District Data Specialist; Cortney Kitzmann, Secondary Paraprofessional; Leigh Gonsalez, Secondary Paraprofessional; and Madeline Phillips, long-term Substitute; Marah Ryks, Teaching and Learning Coordinator.
Contract Renewal
Nate Jensen—Technology Assistant/Bus Trip Driver Scheduler 2021-2022
Linda Bergstrom-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Letter of Assignment
Matt Groskreutz-Transportation Maintenance Worker Agreement
Resignations
Resignations were accepted with gratitude from:
Heather Calcamuggio, Elementary Paraprofessional, 2 years; Karen Nafe, Secondary Paraprofessional, 12 years; Lori Tomsche, Secondary Paraprofessional, 22 years
Fall Coaches
Head Football Coach-Marc Kruger
Varsity Assistant Football Coach-Duey Ferber
JV Football Coach-Neil Fuchs
9th Grade Football Coach-Nic Seiler
Head Cross Country Coach-Miles Otstot
Head Cheerleading Coach-Joni Churchill
Head Volleyball Coach-Onika Peterson
JV Volleyball Coach-Corrine Schuller
8th Grade Volleyball Coach-Kim Schlaak
7th Grade Volleyball Coach-Karen Flatness
C-Squad Volleyball Coach-Jen Hatton
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the NRHEG Board of Education will be Monday, September 20, 2021 in the Secondary Media Center, New Richland, 6:30 p.m.