Distance learning still in place at Odessa schools

ODESSA — The School Board met digitally Wednesday, April 22, in two sessions.

It conducted a 5:30 p.m. workshop and a 6 p.m. regular meeting.

At 5:30 p.m., the board discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the district, began discussions of the 2020-21 budget and began exploring the option of transitional kindergarten.

Chairman Ed Deife and members Heather Valverde, Chris Crossley, Janie Steward and Carmen Weishaar were present.

Superintendent Dan Read, Principal Jamie Nelson and Business Manager Juli Weishaar attended, too, as did Bruce and Kim Todd, Justin Parr and Staci Claassen.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the March 25 regular board meeting; payroll warrants #612901-612918 and direct deposit warrants #900007582-900007639, for a total of $292,442.46; general fund A/P warrants #612919-612954 for $24,899.91 and ASB fund A/P warrants #612955-612963 for $5,762.68.

Superintendent’s Report

Read reported on the Guidance on Grading document just released by Chris Reykdal, the state superintendent of public instruction, and recommended following the guidance provided for issuing grades of “A – D.”

The guidance also included issuing “ Incomplete” with the “No Harm” provision that no student could do worse than their third-quarter grade if the student continues to show a good faith effort and completes work at a satisfactory level during fourth quarter.

Philantec, the district’s technology service provider, has informed the administration that the technology assistant who has been providing weekly service to the school will not be available after June.

Read will pursue other options and provide information to the school board at the May school board meeting.

Principal’s Report

Nelson reported that staff members are diligently working to adapt to virtual learning and creating packets for elementary students and those who struggle with online learning.

Teachers have created a Monday Message, outlining assignments for the week, as well as virtual class times.

Elementary teachers have been creating packets/notebooks, recording virtual lessons on Class Dojo, utilizing online learning sites, scheduling digital class meetings and doing a combination of packets.

Secondary teachers are mainly using the digital classroom, digital meetings and recorded lessons/messages.

Nelson said staff members have weekly digital meetings with the administration, and she is encouraging them to stay in touch with each other to avoid feeling isolated.

Nelson is working to find the most effective way to communicate basic information to families affected by the district’s virtual learning model.

Athletic Director’s Report

Athletic Director Bruce Todd reported the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has ruled that there will be no sports or activities until June 19.

The athletic directors began discussing the ramifications if coronavirus restrictions are still in place when fall sports are scheduled to begin.

Todd reported high school volleyball and basketball schedules for the next school year have been completed.

The football schedule is on hold, awaiting the results of the 6-man football amendment.

Todd is engaged in ongoing communications with the athletic director from Wilson Creek regarding a sports combine for next year.

Facilities Report

Facilities Director Justin Parr reported that bus drivers continue to deliver meals and homework packets to students on their bus routes.

The reader board sign is currently not functioning. Parr is working with the vendor on a repair that would upgrade the software capabilities of the sign.

Parr said custodial staff members are busy deep-cleaning the facilities and repairing and servicing grounds equipment.

Financial Report

Read presented the ASB balance sheet and the financial activity March reports for the general fund showing an unassigned balance of $909,889. He presented computer printouts for all funds.

Next Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in the high school library, with a workshop scheduled for 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting.