A coronavirus pandemic hit everyone in the world causing schools to be creative in providing an education for children.
The Ohio Department of Education is asking school districts to discuss a plan for a digital academy should districts be hit with another interruption during a normal school year.
The North Union School Board of Education raised questions to School Superintendent Rich Baird, who said the district is looking at several options. Baird stated that the board feels it is a priority to have students back in the classroom full-time for the best learning opportunities.
Baird also stated that one option would be to talk with Marysville and Fairbanks Local Schools to consider a partnership. It would include sharing staff and costs, such as for salaries, resources, supplies, etc.
Another option would be to use a vendor to provide curriculum and resources. The main focus would be for grades 6 to 12. The board all agreed that having students back in the classrooms is the most beneficial learning tool.
At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, approximately 200 students were enrolled in the digital academy for one semester or more. Many families did not want their children exposed to possible cases of COVID-19 or didn’t want their children to have to wear masks all day during school.
During the pandemic, North Union did all it could to make sure that students were actively involved with their school work. Computer tablets were delivered to students to get their lessons online. The district also provided meals to students while they were at home learning and teachers were in contact almost daily with their students to see that they were getting their assignments or if they needed extra help with school work.
It was suggested that the board send out a survey to parents to get their opinions on how they felt the district handled the pandemic and give suggestions regarding other options.
While many questions need to be answered, the board is working with the best interests in mind for the students. More information will be announced once a plan is set.
The Union County Health Department has offered to hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at North Union High School for students 16 to 18 years of age. The students must have parental approval to participate. The school board approved and Baird will contact Jason Orcena, the county health director, to get the clinic set up.
Baird also announced to the board that the Union County Health Department will host a clinic Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Northern Union County Fire station, 602 N. Franklin St. They asked to use a section of the high school parking lot near the baseball field as 15 minute holding place for those who were injected. The request was approved.
Baird also told the board of several district celebrations of students recently honored. The high school choir competed in a music contest where all NU students who participated received ratings of 1 and 2, which are the highest ratings to achieve. A few elementary, middle and high school robotics teams competed in the state competition and a few have qualified to compete in world competition. Basketball recognitions were announced for girls and boys basketball players.
In other business, the board:
•Received an anonymous donation of $75.68 to help pay off outstanding student lunch accounts and a $700 donation was received for the Joshua O’Reilly Scholarship Fund.
•Approved employment for Lisa McKinley as a middle school intervention teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.
•Approved hiring Emily Brentlinger to be called on an as-needed basis for the 2020-2021 school year;
•Set the date of June 4 for high school graduation at 7 p.m. at the football stadium for commencement for the Class of 2021. A rain date of June 5 was also approved.
•Approved hiring Kirby Robinson as the high school Junior Class advisor.
•Approved a one-year supplemental contract to Linda Billenstein (high school spring pianist accompanist), Anna Baker (elementary school musical director), Alison Mount (element school musical) and Kathy Schrader (elementary school musical assistant).
•Accepted the resignation of Peggy L. Curts, high school teacher due to retirement at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.