COVID updates reviewed
By Melinda L. Lucas
Monday’s monthly meeting of the Albany ISD board of trustees, postponed one week from its regular time because of spring break, was mostly COVID updates in various areas, with a couple of motions made on routine agenda items.
The board also went into closed session about personnel for about 30 minutes at the end of the meeting, but no action was taken before adjournment.
TEA/UIL Updates
AISD superintendent Jonathan Scott told trustees that he had originally thought that a resolution would be needed in order to open school facilities back at 100 percent capacity, and had placed that item on the agenda.
After reading the governor’s order more closely, he determined that action was unnecessary.
“There are TEA limitations for some districts, and school boards can make local decisions, but we don’t have to take any action to open at full capacity,” said Scott.
Board member Ginny Ivy said a member of the community had asked her if a teacher could “require” that students wear masks in their AISD classroom, and Scott said he wasn’t sure but would check.
The question also came up about whether graduation might be held at the football stadium again this year, and although no action was taken, the general consensus seemed to be that the ceremony should be held in the gym.
Athletic director Ryder Peacock went through some of the relaxed guidelines for spring sports, commenting that track is the only sport that is still limited, with only the top two from area events qualifying for regional and the regional meet cut to one day.
Other Business
•The board approved the 2021-2022 school calendar, with spring break set for March 14-18 to align with most other schools in the district.
•Student accident and health catastrophic coverage was renewed for the next school year.
•The superintendent reported that technology director Dan Key had purchased and installed a new security camera system at both campuses for about $25,000, one-fourth the cost of the three bids obtained last year. A safety grant paid for the system.
•Scott also went over a tax collection report from Shackelford County chief appraiser Clayton Snyder, noting that collections for Albany ISD are about the same as usual.
