The COVID pandemic was the underlying issue dealing with several items on the Henryetta school board agenda Monday night.
With basketball season nearly here, board members changed the school policy on masks to reflect all school property instead of facilities.
“We all agree there is a need to wear face coverings,” said superintendent Dwayne Noble. “It won’t take much for us to have to close at this point.”
He pointed out that attendance at basketball games will put “several hundred people in one building.” Football games saw us outside and spread out.” He told the board he was worried about outside people from different communities coming to the gym.
When people come to the game, they will be told that they have to wear a mask inside the building, visiting the concession stand or going to the restrooms. Once they are in their seats, according to safety guidelines, those masks can be removed. Disposable masks that cover the mouth and nose will be available.
The pandemic has the school using distance learning on Fridays. Because of that, board members voted to reduce the number of contract days for support employees. “We will pay Monday through Thursday,” Noble told the board.
Those employees affected include: Christopher Ashby, Roberta Hamric, Jamie Austin, Joyce Henderson, Kenneth Berry, Lorranie Henry, Laura Black, Ruby Jones, Megan Clason, Sherie Jones, Crystalyn Cook, Laurie King, Marshall Cook, Verna Kissee, Brooklyn Cowan, Courtney Lollis, Mary Craft, Vernon Moore, Michael Crawford, Rhonda Morton, Dana Davis, Alan Montgomery, Ralph Dennison, Beth Potter, Winter Dwiggins, Tonya Powders, Jesse Fair, Kristen Rempe, Donna Faler, Staci Sadler, James Garrett, Patty Shaddix, Leslie Gillispie, Katie Simons, Michelle Girty, Tammy Smith, Ellis Glover, Randy Stafford, Nadine Graham, Glendell Threatt, Pam Gray, Heather Turner, Melanie Green, Judy Varner, Gary Greenfield, Brad Wion, Linda Greenfield and Felicia Greenhaw.
Board members accepted the resignation of William “Jim” Wheeler and hired Terry Jones as a bus driver for the remainder of the year.
The seat now held by Brandi Brown will be coming up for election Feb. 9, 2021. She has been on the board for ten years.
“I am very proud of how hard the board worked to accomplish some great advancements for the district,” she said. “I will miss it.”
The filing period for that election will start at 8 a.m. Dec. 7 and end at 5 p.m. Dec. 9.
Noble told board members the concrete pads for the airconditioning equipment is being placed at the gymnasium. Once those pads cure, the compressors and equipment will be placed then work will start inside the building.