Sheldon BOE discusses summer school protocols, increase in lunch prices

During Wednesday's regular monthly meeting, the Sheldon R-8 Board of Education touched on summer school protocols in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, Superintendent Jason Irwin said 80 to 85 students would need to be enrolled in order for the district to hold summer school. The number of officially enrolled students is 83 — with 63 elementary school, 11 high school, and nine junior high students attending. The summer session runs from June 1-18.

Principal Carolyn Compton apprised the board of protocols being used to help shield against COVID-19. According to Compton, those include temperature checks of students and staff prior to entering the building — with hand sanitizer promptly dispensed upon entering the building. Classroom seating has been reconfigured, with health department social distancing guidelines serving as the model, as far as six-feet of separation. Additionally, meals are being served to students in the classroom. This protocol is also in accordance with health department guidelines.

"Everything is going well," Compton told the board.

Lunch price increase

Irwin informed the board that after completing an online document required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) the district will now have to increase its lunch prices. The pricing approved by the board Wednesday increases the amount to $3.40 for adults, $2.50 for high school students, and $2 for elementary students. The motion was passed by a 5-2 margin.

The school's website states the 2019-20 school year lunch pricing was $1.50-1.90 for elementary, $1.75 for high school, and $2.40 for adults.

In other agenda items:

• During Irwin's superintendent's report, he informed the board he sent a thank you card to physician Mandy Barnes for recently assisting with free student-athlete physicals at the school. Irwin also informed the board that the school's coaches have commenced with their summer workout programs. Additionally, Irwin updated the board that he has been working diligently on the 2020-21 school-year budget, while also touching on various legislative updates.

• Irwin informed the board of graduating senior Hailey Hibbett's letter-of-intent signing to join Cottey College's flagship flag football team.

• After discussion on the matter, the board set a special meeting for their annual budget hearing — slated for 7 a.m., July 24.

• During his facilities report, Irwin informed the board that work on the bathroom floors will begin on June 22, and will take roughly a week to complete. Irwin also told the board he's planning on having the cafeteria roof sealed this summer.

• Irwin informed the board that issues with the district's hot water heater were due to a recent lightning strike. He also said phones line haven't been working, with CenturyLink reporting the problem was due to squirrels chewing through the lines.

• Irwin informed the board that a portion of the district's Federal CARES Act money will be spent on replacing their dishwater, and also purchasing a new milk/juice cooler.

• Irwin lauded Benny Abbot for volunteering his time to help with cleanup around the schoolyard, which included weed-eating.

The board's next regular monthly meeting is slated for 7 a.m., Wednesday, July 18.