The Hallsville school board met on Wednesday (11/17). Our full agenda can be found here. A few quick highlights including approving the program reports of the health services program and instruction/curriculum. We also approved our first budget amendment for the fiscal year, to adjust for increased virtual tuition pay, COVID funds distributed by the state, and updated ADA budgeting based on the withholding that we experienced at the beginning of the fiscal year--in July. Lastly, we discussed and approved entering into a 5-year lease to purchase 5 buses. The approved contract is within the budgeted amount and continues tradition of the idea of paying off one-bus per year in the contract.
I will admit, the rest of this post is going to be more commentary and thoughts than recounting of the meeting. This is my disclaimer. :) We also discussed the academic calendar. The board took no action, leaving the calendar the way we adjusted it in the early fall. There was conversation around trying to be proactive to prevent school close contacts and quarantines as we enter the holiday timeframe. I appreciate those who are questioning, asking, and pushing the board and the district. That's how we come up with the best ideas. We're also all living the crazy time that is...COVID. We are all stressed. We all don't want quarantined. We all don't want COVID. We all don't want to give COVID to each other. Ultimately, my opinion came down to our district not having COVID numbers as places like Columbia or even Southern Boone have had. This is a big deal and a huge shoutout and pat on the back is deserved for our students, teachers, staff, and admin who are leading and doing an amazing job. Are there students and adults sick for 2 weeks not reporting or getting tested? Due to stigma or some other reason Probably. I pray they are quarantining since this isn't in the best interests of the community. That said, am I seeing more masks around? As I went to Prengers yesterday compared to recent weeks---yes. Let's bunker down, be safe, be smart, be transparent with one another. We all are exhausted from COVID. We all want "normal" to return. With vaccines closer---we're getting to see some light in the tunnel we are in. As we enter into the holiday season, I've preached the message of grace---and we need it more each and every day. Professionally and personally, COVID has closed in on us. That's okay. I will try to not fret. I will be as smart as possible. For several years--during this time around Thanksgiving and the Christmas season we see people posting things they are thankful for. COVID is super stressful. But I was reminded this week while taking 15 seconds to check out an incredibly beautiful sunrise...that the little things like breathing each day, having food on my table, a family who loves me, friends who support me, neighbors around us who care for us....these are the things that we need to focus on and remember. More than ever--don't just post about it. Live it. I'm going to try to. We're a community. We're stronger than a virus and we will get to the end of this. In the meantime, let's take an extra deep breath both for our own sanity and for the unknown extra burdens that each person we face are dealing with unique times. Thanks for reading my sermon. :) I'll probably try to offer a quick blog right before Christmas at our December meeting. Until then, as always, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm thankful for our community and for our district teachers and staff. You all are truly rock stars. Until next time, thank you for reading. Craig
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AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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