MAY 5, 2021 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Pledge of Allegiance
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda of the May 5, 2021 board meeting was approved as presented.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Regular Board meeting of April 21, 2021 were approved as presented.
Reports: Superintendent – Mr. Timothy Brown
- Mr. Brown showed the Board our current COVID dashboard. The last week and a half have been much better! There have been no positive cases and close contacts are significantly down. We hope it stays that way! Teacher Appreciation week has been going very well. The Staffs have been having a great week with fun games, prizes, breakfasts, and lunches! Mr. Brown recognized all of the teachers and staff for their outstanding work this year.
- Mr. Brown informed the Board that two weeks from tonight on May 19, Cowan will promote a COVID vaccination night at the hospital for students over the age of 16.Fliers will be used to communicate this information to parents. If needed, transportation may be provided from Cowan to the hospital.
- Mr. Brown let the Board know that Cowan’s ESSER II plan (amount of grant $243,530.84) was approved on May 3, 2021.Mr. Brown went over a breakdown of the things to be purchased/completed with this grant. The grant budget lines will likely be updated/adjusted as needed.
- Mr. Brown and the Board discussed future facility projects. We want to maintain as level of a tax rate as possible while improving our district. They discussed the differences between a common school fund loan and using a bond as revenue for a project. Mr. Brown has talked to Sitelogiq who could conduct a site audit of all of our infrastructure. After the discussion, the Board and Mr. Brown want Sitelogiq to give a presentation at an upcoming board meeting.
- Mr. Brown let the Board know that Sports Physical Night will be held Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m. Open Door will be hosting this event. Along with sports physicals, students’ immunizations/physicals will be provided. Optional incoming kindergarten physicals will also be available for any families interested.
- Mr. Brown reminded the Board that we will set the thresholds for transfer students, in grades 1-12, at the next board meeting, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.A lottery will be held, if necessary, at the June 2, 2021, board meeting.
- Mr. Brown also reminded the Board that the ISBA regional meeting will be held via zoom next Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
- Mr. Brown presented Professional Leave Requests approved by the Superintendent as of Monday, May 3, 2021.
Opportunity for Public Comments
(No negative comments toward Corporation employees are permitted during the public meeting. Alleged misconduct by a Corporation employee is to be addressed in an Executive session of the Board following meeting with appropriate members of the Administration.)
Thomas and Kim Campbell were in attendance to encourage the Board to give parents the choice on whether students should wear masks for next school year. Mrs. Campbell read a statement providing evidence for their recommendation.
Business Office Recommendations
Treasurer’s Report and Approval of Claim Docket
The claims #19712 to #19763 and the payroll of April 30, 2021 as listed in Appendix #2101 were approved for payment.
Donation
The Board accepted a $100 donation to the Honor Society Extra-Curricular Account.
Handbook Changes
The Board approved the changes to the Elementary School Handbook as presented in Appendix #2102.
Personnel
Employment
The Board approved Connor Walsh as a Junior/Senior High School Social Studies/Business Teacher for the 2021-22 school year.
Resolution for COVID Pay Stipend
The Board adopted the Resolution for Employee Stipend for Additional Duties Related to COVID-19 as submitted in Appendix #2103.
Memorandum of Understanding for Certified Staff COVID Pay Stipend
The Board approved the memorandum of Understanding for the Certified Staff Stipend for Additional Duties Related to COVID-19 as submitted in Appendix #2104.
Textbook Adoption
The Board approved Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Social Studies for grades 5-6 Social Studies Adoption beginning next school year as presented in Appendix #2105.
The Board approved McGraw Hill Studysync Core ELA for grades 7-10 English/Language Arts Textbook Adoption beginning next school year as presented in Appendix #2106.
Opportunity for Board Communication:
Mrs. Angie Johnson thanked all of the teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers should be appreciated each and every day. Thank you again teachers for all of your hard work each and every school year. Also, thank you to Mr. Aaron Groves and Mr. Rusty Lumpkin for their work on the Junior-Senior Prom. The students had a great time!!
Mr. Mike Van Horn wanted to recognize his niece, Sophie Smith, who received a scholarship for track at the University of Kentucky Wesleyan. Mr. Van Horn shared that it is great to see any of our athletes receive college scholarships. He also wanted to thank Mr. and Mrs. Campbell for coming and expressing their concerns.
Mr. Alan Wright also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Campbell for coming to the meeting. He also thanked all of Cowan’s teachers for their work and agrees with Angie that we should acknowledge our teachers every day!
Adjournment
The May 5, 2021 regular board meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
Choose the meeting below to view previous meetings in a new window.
Highlights for April 21, 2021
Highlights for April 7, 2021
Highlights for March 17, 2021
Highlights for March 3, 2021