Bronaugh R-7 receives COVID-19 test donations from state

Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Bronaugh R-7 School Board saw the board accept the state’s offer of free tests for the COVID-19 virus, heard status reports on several facilities projects, learned of further funds from the state and of the impending retirement of a long-time coach and teacher.

With only board member Bill Rainey absent, the big news of the October meeting had to with what is known as the Angel Closet. Each school in Vernon County has a storage area set aside with not only school supplies but also clothing and personal care needs for students.

As noted in Superintendent Jordan Dickey’s report to staff and relayed to The Daily Mail, the needs have greatly increased this calendar year. Dickey noted how recently, some six donations in memory of various individuals have been made to the Angel Closet. This enabled Dickey to state, “I shared our plans to expand the reach of the Angel Closet to provide things for families going through very challenging times.”

With all aware of the need, the board heartily shared its gratitude for the gifts and endorsed the expanded mission.

Mindful of its own struggles with the COVID-19 virus, the board welcomed news of the State of Missouri making available to the district, free tests for the COVID-19 virus. The board voted for the tests to be made available, on a voluntary basis, to any staff member who might need to be tested.

Noted Dickey, “The tests are rapid and we would have the results within 15 minutes. We are hoping this might alleviate any long waits to get test results back for our staff members.”

In discussing the school’s facilities, the board heard a progress report on the ball fields. Last month the Board had voted to spend up to $4,000 to finish up things at the ball fields.

Dickey said, “We are currently $1,157.62 under budget and are going to be able to get the last bit of the top rail we need to finish up both projects!”

The school’s reach-in freezer is waiting to be repaired. Materials for work in a bathroom and upgrading the water fountains have been ordered and once received, Dickey said work is to “begin soon.”

Work is continuing as well in the fifth and sixth-grade center. Contact has been made to see when the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning unit can be installed.

The Governor has released and is passing on additional funds from the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Reported Dickey, “We should get approximately $70 per pupil.”

Funds from the CARES Act, along with state aid have supported the district in a variety of ways including the provision of meals. The superintendent told the board, “We are going to be able to provide free meals to all through the end of the school year. We have to rebid out Food Service this school year and we hope to open bids at the February board meeting.”

In closed session the board accepted the resignation of Coach Daryl Dodson, pending the end of the 2020-21 school year. While many coaches either teach physical education or social studies, Dodson began his career as a teacher of mathematics, who got into coaching and then went full-time into coaching and physical education.

Dickey told the board there will be a special recognition at year’s end but said, “We want to thank Coach (Dodson) for his years of service to the district.” She noted not only his efforts in the school’s athletic programs but even more in the life lessons and one-on-one work he has given to so many athletes and students.

In a related item, the superintendent reported, “We have 21 boys and 11 girls going out for basketball.”

With several present wondering aloud if it would take place, the board approved the senior class trip destination of Coco Beach, Fla.

Something which does happen each year is the Missouri School Board Association awarding a $1,000 scholarship in each of its 17 regions with the statewide winner receiving an additional $1,500. The board selected senior Emma Morris to be the district’s nominee for the scholarship.

As part of both a general upgrade and preparation for further “remote learning,” the school has sought to purchase more Chromebook notebook computers. Reported Dickey, “Chromebook (shipping) dates are being pushed back more-and-more. Our computer services’ provider shared his frustration with the situation and said he really can't say for sure when we will get them.”

Since keeping an eye on financial matters became a serious issue with the district’s previous two superintendents, Dickey noted, “We are still working on the audit (for the 2019-2020 year). We are waiting to hear back from (our auditor) to see what needs to happen next.”

And closing on a personal note, Dickey, who served as defacto superintendent for a period of time before formally starting as the R-7 superintendent on July 1, 2019, told the board, “I officially have a piece of paper that says I am a real superintendent!”