Return to Learn discussed by North Butler School Board

The North Butler Community School board held its regular meeting Monday, August 10 in the high school media center.

     Among the items discussed were the junior/senior high student handbook, the elementary handbook, and curriculum for the Spanish program at the high school. The Covid/Return to Learn plan was also discussed. 

     The elementary and Jr./Sr. high school student handbooks have changes that reflect the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Jr./Sr. high school academic eligibility policy has been updated to include classes that are electives.

     The Spanish curriculum was approved as was the renewal of IXL for math, science, and language arts.

     The board spent a considerable amount of time discussing some of the aspects of the plan with the goal to keep children and staff as safe as possible as stated by several school board members. Masks, temperature checks, and bus routes were discussed extensively.

     The board voted to require the wearing of masks on all school vehicles when transporting students and in the hallways when social distancing cannot be achieved. Masks will not be required in the classrooms or at lunch.

     Town bus routes will continue, but the transportation director will look at consolidating routes to reduce the number of stops. 

     Temperature checks will be done at the school upon arrival. If students have a fever, they will be isolated, and parents will be notified to pick up their child.

     The board also discussed how to handle indoor events since volleyball games will begin shortly. The board voted to follow the recommendations of the Top of Iowa superintendents, which would be known in the next few days.

     The calendar for the year has been changed slightly to reflect the changes in the hybrid plan. Five inservice dates from the spring have been moved to the first five weeks of school. 

     Hourly employees will continue to be paid on the Wednesdays of full day professional development. Some employees will be participating in the professional development. Some may be utilized to help around the school. 

     There were no resignations. Contracts were issued for head wrestling, and concessions, and several people were approved for substituting in the district.

     Mr. Foster reported that the bus lease will expire in April, so they are beginning to look at renewing it. The baseball and softball fields need updating; Jon Heuer will work on the dugouts. Almost 50,000 meals have been served since March. 

     The board will meet again at the beginning of September to evaluate the effectiveness of the plans made. Their next regular meeting will be at 6 p.m., September 14 at the NB elementary media center in Allison.