Milan prepares for school year
Melinda Starkey
Milan Schools welcome two new teachers beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. Kenna Porter, left, will be teaching agriculture at the middle school and high school and Jodi Cummings will take the role of intensive academic teacher at the elementary school.
During the June 15 meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees, Superintendent Jane Rogers noted that administrators and a school safety team are currently meeting to develop a plan for a safe re-entry into school. A draft of this proposal was provided to board members. Rogers assured the board that this team would continue to monitor guidance from the state as well as the local health department. Communication will be provided to parents via email messages, social media, and the school website.
The student book bills and fees for the 2020-2021 school year were approved. These will remain the same as last year. The board also approved the student handbooks submitted for each school. The only school with revisions at this time was the high school, which had changes regarding attendance, tardies, and discipline. It was noted by Superintendent Jane Rogers that any changes or additions that would need to be made due to COVID-19 would be done in July in a separate handbook. The Chromebook/iPad handbook was also approved.
In addition, the board approved Milan Elementary School Principal Cinda Ahlrich’s request to hold summer school for grades 1-6 beginning July 20 and ending July 31. The next step is to survey parents to see how many are interested in this jump start program and determine if parents have more of an interest in the program being held at the school or online. Ahlrich stated she would like a minimum of 15 to participate. More details of this program will be discussed at the July school board meeting.
An update on summer maintenance included the high school cafeteria project going according to plan, the locker rooms being painted, maintenance work being completed, the band and choir rooms being painted and soon getting new carpet. The swimming pool at the elementary school has been painted, as well as several of the hallways throughout the building, and the parking lot being resealed. The middle school library is in the process of setting up new furniture that was awarded through the Rising Sun Regional Foundation grant. Rogers recognized the maintenance and custodial staff for doing an excellent job in keeping things in order throughout the buildings.
Rogers informed the board that the ORVC schools have held meetings to create a document that will guide the re-entry into sports for the upcoming school year. The ORVC collaborated to develop guidelines that allow students to return to participation safely and responsibly. John Prifogle, athletic director, is making plans for sporting events beginning in August.
The June school board meetings are typically when administrative contracts are renewed. In light of the current financial uncertainties, Rogers recommended the contracts for Ahlrich, Ryan Langferman, Pat Murphy and Prifogle be rolled over at a status quo level. The board requested Rogers administrative status quo roll over as well. The board will revisit this toward the end of the year.
Approval was given to update the Crisis Response policy. The update addresses national, state, and local emergencies or a health crisis, explaining that the Milan Community Schools safety team will review the crisis, prepare a response, and communicate to staff and parents in a timely manner. This policy will become part of the Milan Emergency Safety Plans, which is coordinated by School Resource Officer Noel Houze.
The purchase of an electric Combi Oven from B&B Distributors was approved by the school board. The total price of $22,331.00 includes the oven, stand, accessories, hot water dispenser, and two years parts and labor. This was the lowest price out of three bids. This will come out of the cafeteria’s budget, along with any money left over from the current cafeteria project. The new oven allows for the cafeteria staff to offer more foods with the ability to bake, steam, and air fry.
Personnel changes included the resignation of Kyla Isaacs, special education needs aide at the elementary school and the termination of Emily Miles as special needs aide at the elementary school. The board approved the maternity leave of Kathryn Fleming from August 11 – November 3. The board also approved Langferman’s recommendation to hire Kenna Porter for the agriculture teaching vacancy at the high school and Ahlrich’s recommendation to hire Jodi Cummings as an Intensive Academic teacher at the elementary school.
The next regular meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m.
