Manila School Board members voted to re-elect officers at the Thursday night meeting. Remaining in office will be Jeremy Jackson, president; Tracey Reinhart, vice president; and Monte Middleton, secretary.
Following a lengthy executive session, Superintendent Jason Evers recommended the board accept the resignation of elementary teachers, Richie Smith and Diane Johnson.
Evers commended both teachers for their years of service.
“I appreciate all of the time they have devoted to the district,” Evers said.
The board voted 7-0 to accept their resignations.
The board voted to accept the face mask/face covering policy with all students in kindergarten through 12th grade wearing a mask while attending school or a school function in any school building, facility or other area of school campus, when riding in school provided transportation. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the student. This policy also applies to students waiting outside school buildings before and after school, and waiting at bus stops.
All employees of the district will be required to wear a mask or face covering while working or attending a school function.
There are some exemptions listed in the policy including medical conditions.
The policy guidelines for home school students participating in any extracurricular activities will be changed to include students attending virtual classes. Home school students and virtual students will have to attend school for a minimum of one/sixth of a day to be able to participate in extracurricular activities including music, athletics, etc.
Evers presented the re-entry guidelines updated on July 28. School will begin on Aug. 24.
Students will attend as follows:
Monday, Aug. 24 -- pre-K boys, kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade, sixth grade, eighth grade, 10th grade, and 12th grade.
Tuesday, Aug 25 -- pre-K girls, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, seventh grade, ninth grade, 11th grade.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 -- All students, pre-K through 12.
There will be daily screening for all students and staff.
The re-entry guidelines also cover rules for in-class and virtual classes.
Manila Schools will host a recorded open house and fall Title I meeting on Aug. 17 and the link will be shared on messenger and the website. Email addresses will be provided so stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment or ask questions.
Other topics included in the guidelines are pick up and drop off areas; early check out; Covid-19 response; recess, lunch and transportation; activity classes; extracurricular and sports activities; protocol for student illness; learning gaps; school closures and blended learning; meeting the needs of students with special needs.
Evers commended the office staff for receiving certificates on being in the top 10 in the state for having the work submitted on time or ahead of the deadlines.
Evers then commended the 17 junior and senior students for receiving college credits for AP scores. One student had a perfect five out of five.
“I am proud of all of the students,” Evers said.
In other business:
*Board members voted to approve the assurances, federal programs.
*Board members voted to accept the school improvement plan.
*The board voted in favor of the district’s support plan, Ready for Learning Plan.
*Board members voted to accept the Entergy SEPO Option B which will allow school in on solar options which will reduce cost to the district.
*The revised 2020-2021 school calendar was approved. The school year will end May 27.