Limited fans at sports, Milan off to a good school year
Superintendent Jane Rogers informed the Milan School Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled meeting that the first week of school was off to a good start. Rogers noted that the students are following safety procedures and are adjusting to the new routines in place due to the current pandemic. This includes students diligently wearing masks and bringing their own water to school. Rogers commended the school nurses Tammy Jutzi and Amber Knueven for all of their extra work in preparing for a safe return for students during the pandemic.
Athletic Director John Prifogle updated the board on the upcoming fall sports season. According to Prifogle, who has worked closely with Dr. Welsh and the Ripley County Health Department, it is recommended that for outdoor sports families sit together and practice social distancing between families and it is recommended that a mask be worn. For indoor sports, masks will be required and families are asked to remain seated together and practice social distancing. As of time of print, indoor sports will have a capacity of 250 fans. Football will have a capacity of 250 in the bleachers on the home side and 168 fans on the visitor’s side. There will also be designated gates, restrooms and concession stands for the home and away teams. Tickets for the football games will be offered to the family of the players, band members and cheerleaders before selling tickets at the door. Prifogle also noted that these restrictions are for Milan Schools. When traveling for sports, the restrictions vary by county and facility.
The board approved the adoption of a resolution that allows for suspension of school board policies if they conflict with waivers or extensions that occur during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indiana’s Considerations for Learning and Safe Schools (IN-CLASS) document from the Indiana Department of Education suggests this resolution be adopted. It was also reviewed and recommended for adoption by Attorney Larry Eaton. This will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.
The RISE Teacher Evaluation Plan was approved. The RISE plan reflects changes from HEA 1002 (2020), removing the requirement that student assessment results from statewide assessment be used as part of a certified employee’s annual evaluation performance plan. To comply, they have removed the multiple measures of growth and will use the Teacher Effectiveness Rubric and School-Wide Learning Goal. In layman’s terms, teachers will be assessed on their effectiveness and how they perform in the classroom.
Resignations were approved for the following: Daniel Leinberger, paraprofessional at the elementary school; Ashley Braunagel, special needs aide at the elementary school; Mary Calhoun, high school cafeteria; Laura Dornach, elementary school cafeteria; and Amy Detraz, head cook at elementary school. The following recommendations were also approved: Paul Newton, to fill a 3-1/2 hour vacancy as a paraprofessional at the elementary school; Krystal Nickoson, special education assistant at the elementary school; Paige Love, one-to-one student aide at the elementary school; Lennie Lynd, part-time cafeteria position at the high school; Darlena Miller, head cook position at the high school; Holly Hountz, reassigned from head cook at the high school to head cook at the elementary school; and Tasha Bledsoe to move from part-time to full-time cafeteria employee at the high school. Extra-curricular resignations approved include Danessa Mortenson as a varsity volleyball coach and Samantha Thompson as JV volleyball coach. Approvals include Gayle Healy as varsity volleyball coach, Brandy Bastin as JV volleyball coach and Kelsey Holbert as a freshman/assistant volleyball coach.
The next regular meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m. Rogers reminded the board of a public hearing regarding the CPF and bus replacement plans prior to this meeting.
