SHERBURN — There was a special meeting one hour before the regular Martin County West school board meeting Monday night. Over 20 people attended and some gave reasons for their concerns about Covid regulations and issues.

Superintendent Reynolds also gave a presentation concerning the

Covid issues at Martin County West. She reported that the Martin County label, according to the CDC as of last August 15, was “substantial”. The rate of vaccinations for people over 16 years old in Martin County was 68.5 percent.

They have had five more positive cases in grades K-12. CDC strategies for school buildings in Martin County say that face coverings are required on all public conveyances (school buses). They also say schools must report any known case of any disease which may threaten the public (this has always been a rule).

These requirements are also according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Strategies that should be implemented are cleaning and disinfecting, contact tracing, handwashing, ventilation, screening tests, physical distancing, mask use, and promoting vaccinations. Reynolds stated that the school district’s main goal is to keep the students and staff as safe as possible physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The district also wants to maximize in-person learning. The goal of keeping Covid out of our schools may be helped by doing whatever is needed.

Reynolds said, “The more we do the more we keep Covid out of our school”. She said they hoped to not implement distancelearning and homebound instruction.

Everyone needs more guidance on contact tracing, isolation, quarantines, and screening testing. They plan to implement respecting individual choices concerning masks in the school building. The criteria for change of policy or mandating rules is the rate of transmission in the community, the county, and at MCW school buildings.

Questions from the school board were how to discern if there is a concern. Reynolds asked that a monthly check for illnesses be done. One board member asked if a school district can or should promote vaccinations, perhaps just encourage vaccinations. The difference between homebound and distance learning was also discussed.

An education about respect and mask/no mask shaming not being acceptable was held. Another question was whether the district has to follow the state requirements or do they have more options in the community. All agreed that we must be very clear about consequences and responsibilities for all. The Board thanked those who attended the special meeting.

The regular school board meeting began at 6:30 p.m.

Superintendent Reynolds gave a financial report with the budget at $9,649,895. She also gave an enrolment report.

The business staff needs to be replaced and instead of hiring one person the School Management Services for Business was explained. The board approved a three-year contract with them. The increase over a staff’s salary would be approximately $10,000 but the benefits were very good.

They will have high level of expertise, and strategic planning skills, assistance would be immediate, and they have forecasting tools. The board also approved a ballot board resolution for the election.

Reynolds also reported that she is applying for distance learning permission just in case it is needed. She also said the golf fundraiser was a success and enjoyed by alumni, board members and the community.

Nate Klima and Karen McConnell will be Dean of Students. Chelsie Rolling was hired as Special Education instructor at Trimont. Kaitlin Tow was hired as the secondary science instructor. Michelle Baker, high school principal, reported that there will be a back-to-school day for seventh-graders and new students on Sept. 1, and all students are invited to join them later in the day for orientation.

Seventh and eighth-grade computer sessions will add staff because the students need a little more help. They are exploring fundraisers different from the usual ones. The leadership team has met three times during the summer.

Autumn Welcome, the elementary principal, reported that the staff has helped her much. Scheduling is something she is working hard at. The leadership team will be reconvening soon.

The board approved the resolution relating to health and safety measures at the school with amendments to follow the CDC and edit as needed. They also asked the administration to study the need for options for distance learning for selective eligible students. They approved pay rates for teachers with an increase of 7.7 percent and substitutes and para-professionals with an increase of 7 percent.

The increase for food-service substitutes was 4.7 percent. They approved the eight hours of bus driver training. Letters of commendation were sent to state speech participants, Seth Scarfpin and Gracie Boerner. The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20.