The Mineral Point School Board held a lengthy meeting Monday night, largely focused on discussion regarding the fall re-opening plan.
The Board viewed a draft of the Back to School Blueprint and heard the recommendation from administration to begin the year in the hybrid (Option B) learning model that would have cohorts of students in the buildings certain days to mitigate virus risk and doing virtual learning the remaining days. An all-in person option (Option A) is also listed in the plan. An all virtual learning option would be available to families who request it. It is possible that sometime this school year, the district could be mandated to go to an all virtual option for all students, based on an outbreak (Option C).
Board members shared they have received passionate feedback from stakeholders all across the board — some strongly desiring all-in person classes five days per week, others a hybrid of virtual and in-person, and some with all virtual.
The plan has been sent to families and staff for feedback in the form of a survey that will close end of day Friday, July 17. Results will be compiled and discussed by the Board at a special meeting Monday, July 20.
The draft Blueprint can be viewed here: https://mineralpointschools.org/wp-content/uploads/Back-to-School-Blueprint-1.pdf
(Go to the 23 minute, 30 second mark)
Video link: https://youtu.be/z-3_LpuSXSw
Other business:
— Once a year, the Board has the opportunity to nominate up to five businesses for recognition on the Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ Business Honor Roll for their support of the District. The Board voted unanimously to honor Alliant Energy, Ann Gorgen Photography, Ivey Construction, and Vortex this year. (Go to the two hour, 45 minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board accepted the retirement of Julie Pompos, School Nurse. The job has been posted to WECAN. (Go to the two hour, 54 minute mark)
— The Board unanimously approved two purchases in excess of $5,000 — elementary math workbooks and an elementary Swivl equipment. As the District thinks about ways to improve remote learning, Swivl is one resource. The Swivl robot rotates to follow the teacher automatically. It connects to multiple Markers for recording audio throughout the room and uses the tethered iPad (or mobile device) for recording video. (Go to the 2 hour, 16 minute, 15 second mark)
— The Board unanimously approved the Elementary, Middle, High, Middle Activity, and Safety handbooks. The High School Activity and Employee handbooks were tabled. (Go to the two hour, 21 minute mark)
— The Board unanimously approved the Summer School contracts. (Go to the two hour, 28 minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board unanimously approved the required annual notice of Academic Standards and Report Card Distinction. (Go to the two hour, 42 minute, 45 second mark)
— The Board unanimously approved the budget amendments as presented. (Go to the two hour, 52 minute mark)
— The Board unanimously approved the credit card statement and bills payable. (Go to the three hour, seven minute, 30 second mark)
— A special School Board meeting will be held Monday, July 20 at 6:30 pm. (Zoom and phone login info is at the top of the Notice): https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1000874&mk=50382540
— The next regular monthly meeting of the Board will be Monday, August 10 at 6:30 pm.