In addition to COVID-19 safety protocols, the switch to mobile ticketing since the pandemic has been a controversial topic among the North Union school community.
Parent Brandon Stringer approached the North Union Local Schools Board of Education during its meeting on Monday night to argue that taxpayers should not have to pay the processing fee for mobile ticketing at sporting events.
“These fees range anywhere from 23-48% of ticket price. The taxpayers are being told they have to cover the costs of making it easier for the athletic department,” Stringer said.
He continued that technical difficulties with mobile ticketing may cause spectators to miss part of a sporting event, decreasing the value of the ticket.
“We were told in the name of safety we are doing this, well if that was the case, then the concession stands wouldn’t be cash. They would be card only, but that’s not the case,” he argued.
At last month’s board of education meeting, CFO and Treasurer Scott Maruniak and Athletic Director Nick Hajjar said the processing fee is only $1.50.
“I think if this is the direction the school board wants to take, then they should absorb that fee. After all, it is only $1.50,” Stringer said.
He also said he believes every coach’s immediate family should be given free access to games.
“I think every student should get one ticket to every home game they participate in. If someone at home cares enough about that athlete to watch them, they should be able to do that for free,” Stringer added.
The board members acknowledged that they have heard other opposition to mobile ticketing and agreed to discuss the matter with Hajjar.
Additionally, Superintendent Richard Baird provided an update on the district-wide quarantine and isolation numbers for students and staff. As of Monday night, 16 students are in isolation because of positive COVID-19 cases and 158 students are in quarantine because of exposure to the virus at school or at home.
Furthermore, five staff members have recently contracted the virus and are in isolation.
“So far this year, we’ve had 65 students or staff diagnosed with COVID-19, which if you look at that, that matches our number for the entire year last year,” Baird said. “So that gives you an idea of where we are with the new variant.”
He explained that the total of positive cases is just over 1% of the student and staff population.
Baird added that the administration strives to communicate information from the local health department about why the quarantine and isolation processes are important with families.
“We are working hard to make sure that students who are quarantined do get access to assignments at home,” the superintendent said. “Of course, all assignments are excusable. All days are excusable when they are absent.”
In other news:
Maruniak said the donation committee received quotes for items to be funded from donations. The items included a new piano for roughly $16,000 and a new performance shelf for approximately $24,000. The board discussed potentially utilizing the remaining $50,000 to replace the aging playground equipment at the elementary school. The current fall protection at the playground is no longer approved, Maruniak explained, according to the school district’s insurance company inspection.
Board member Shelly Ehret said Tri-Rivers Career Center is seeking approval from voters for a renewal of a 1.3 mill operating levy that is scheduled to expire in 2022. The levy will be on the November ballot and will not be a new tax.
The school board approved the North Union FFA members to stay overnight at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, from Oct. 22-25 with the agronomy team leaving on Oct. 21.
The board approved, with President Brian Davis abstaining from a vote because of a conflict of interest, to approve memorandums of understanding between the board of education and the North Union Education Association to modify and establish terms and conditions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding life insurance as well as personal leave.
The board also approved the hiring of several staff members and substitutes.
The board agreed to appoint Matt Staley as board representative to the Business Advisory Council and alternate Brian Davis.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the North Union Elementary School, 420 Grove St.