‘We live in a good county full of good people, folks,”, Dr. Rob Fletcher said during Tuesday’s special BOE meeting.
Several businesses along with Lawrence Co. citizens, were ready to donate and do their part to make sure all children throughout the county could receive free meals. But that won’t be necessary now that the USDA has given clearance to feed 1,500 students, Fletcher told the board.
“Today makes day nine of Virtual learning, and I couldn’t be more proud of the students, faculty and parents for pulling together during this time,” Fletcher said.
Chairman of the Board Heath Preston shared that these first nine days haven’t been easy.
“Power outages, downed trees, obstacle after obstacle has occurred and has made these first days challenging,” Preston said. “But in true Lawrence County fashion, everyone has pulled together making it work.”
Dr. Fletcher informed the board that as of August 30, 2020 State Guidance for face coverings is that masks should be worn at all times by students, teachers and other faculty, only to be lowered when eating or drinking. He said that Lawrence County is first in the area to start a COVID Dashboard for parents. There are currently three different Dashboards. The first is the number of in person COVID cases. The second is an at home account of current cases and those who are quarantined for possible contact with an individual who has tested positive COVID. The third dashboard is an account of staff cases.
These dashboards are updated daily for parents and staff.
Dr. Fletcher said that all custodial positions have been filled but says the BOE is looking into hiring an outside custodial company in case a substitute is needed. This agenda item was discussed and tabled. Fletcher hopes to have a company name to present to the board at the regular scheduled September meeting.
Also approved was the decreasing of the number of students and coaching staff for extra-curricular trips for social distancing.
The Attendance Restrictions of Sporting Events was discussed and was to be discussed further at the next meeting.
Board members voiced opinions about limiting family members at sporting events. All sporting events however, will be online so that family and friends will be able to watch in the safety of their homes, Fletcher said.
All other Agenda items were approved.
