The Salem Grade School Board Thursday night changed its back-to-school plan. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says she shares the unhappiness over the Governor’s action.
“The Governor issued an executive order stating that masks are mandated in the schools in K-12 and that executive order has now changed our back to school plan to follow that executive order. However, I want it stated and I want everybody to know that I really wanted to follow the CDC policy to recommend but not require the masking. I know everybody has opinions on it but as a superintendent, I am recommending after talking to our attorney and insurance that we follow the Governor’s mandate.”
But Foppe is hoping for change as the school year goes on.
“As soon as anything is looked at or changed this will be a fluid working document and I will change it immediately.”
Foppe says not following the mandate puts 71-percent of their funding from the state and federal government in jeopardy, including federal funds that are helping to pay for a large number of improvements now underway in the district.
The Governor’s mandate requires the masking in any county with high or substantial COVID-19 levels, which right now includes Marion and all surrounding
counties.
Foppe agreed to continue to push for change after some board members expressed concern. Jason Smith questioned if mandating shots may be next.
Foppe says they will start the school year with classes five days a week. The district is currently looking to see if there is a way to offer free tests to help keep close contacts in school. She reports they are still trying to figure out a way to safely serve breakfast at Hawthorn.
Foppe reports close contacts who are not vaccinated will have to be quarantined for 10 to 14 days. Close contacts who are vaccinated will be allowed to stay in school provided they have a test in three to five days to assure they are not positive.
The board also acted on a number of personnel issues. The resignation of 8th-grade language arts teacher Jena Tate was accepted. The board hired Nicole Rexilius to replace her.
The board recalled four aids released earlier until enrollment needs were determined. They are Robin Haake, Elizabeth Parker, Amanda Petrea, and Tonya Pryor. Five new aids were hired, Amber Metcalf, Kellee Bolton, Eric Brubaker, Mya Jolif, and Ann Johnston.
