Worland school board discusses new mask rule

WORLAND – The Washakie County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees met on Monday night, Sept. 28, for their regularly scheduled meeting to discuss new mask rules passed down by the state for schools, discussed potential budget impacts and received updates from administrative staff.

Superintendent David Nicholas first brought up the mask rule during old business at the beginning of the meeting, but the topic was also discussed by administrators throughout the night, including noting the impact of the new rules on the classroom.

“We were really concerned that if two people were masked up and one person tested positive then both went into quarantine,” Nicholas said. “Now if we both have a mask on and you test positive I do not go into quarantine.”

Most building principals during their reports discussed how they were thankful for the new rule as it allows for them to do more small-group activities as long as all of the kids are wearing masks.

Worland Education Association Vickie Overcast expressed thanks that procedures were being

followed so far in the schools. Overcast said during her report that the Wyoming Education Association was against the loosening of the quarantine rule due to the fact that student’s masks sometimes fall down or are not worn properly at all times.

In the superintendent’s report, Nicholas said that he wants the board to understand the severity of the budget cuts that may be coming this next year. He said that he talked with House District 27 Representative Mike Greear about the potential cuts, and said that 10% was the likely cut coming next year.

A 10% budget cut would result in around a $2.5 million loss for the district, and that combined with declining enrollment may include another $500,000 loss in funding for each of the next three years. Nicholas said that the effect of the funding will be dependent on what type of funding the state reduces.

Nicholas also reported that more students have switched back to brick and mortar learning, with the number reducing from 103 to 59 in online learning.

The board discussed and approved their procedure for release of contract for fiscal year 2021, which allows for additional money to be given to retiring teachers should they choose to inform the board prior to Jan. 1, 2021, of their intent to retire this year. Nicholas encouraged approval as they believe there may be up to 10 retirees, and knowing earlier will help with staffing situations should they arise in the spring.

OTHER BUSINESS

Nicholas said to the board on Monday night that they have performed Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) training at every school except for West Side and the Education Resource Center (ERC).

“We really encourage our law enforcement to be present in schools and that has been good training,” Nicholas said.

Schools are giving the option of either in-person parent teacher conferences or meetings via Zoom at a time that can be set up with the school. If the parent decides to attend an in-person conference, they must adhere to guidelines put in place by the school which include wearing a mask, sanitizing and getting their temperature taken. If you are unsure that your school is offering both services please contact your individual building.

Worland High School Principal Wade Sanford said during his report that they were able to do the make-up ACT testing after the test was delayed in April. He also said that he was thankful for the work the student council has been able to do to help make sure homecoming is an event this year.

Worland Middle School Principal Ryan Clark said that it has been apparent if a student is absent that they have not been doing their work at home on Canvas, but when they do come back they are doing well at finishing their work when coming back.

East Side Principal Chris Peterson said that they performed their first fire drill on Sept. 24 and was impressed with the drill. He said they are starting fire safety week which will conclude with an evacuation drill on Friday.

South Side Principal Ken Dietz reported that they were able to make their afternoon recess all inclusive. He said that they have been looking at ways to analyze guided reading and what it needs to look like in the future.

WSCD No. 1 Curriculum Director/Grants Manager Jody Rakness discussed how the district report card will look different this year after a majority of testing was cancelled last spring, and how the report card will be evaluated off of testing in years past.

Board member Sarah Lungren expressed concerns regarding the length of volleyball spandex being worn during games, expressing that even as an extracurricular activity they should still adhere to school dress code guidelines. Athletic Director Aaron Abel and Nicholas said that they may look into the uniform being used.

The board discussed the Title I program, which is a program that allows for additional resources being available for students needs being met. West Side had their initial approval earlier this summer, with South Side and East Side approved in years past.

In order to maintain the funding, the schools must do an evaluation through a parental survey that is sent out each year. This survey is important in evaluation and helps maintain the funding for the additional resources.