By China Cassidy During the Tuesday, Oct. 6, meeting of the Holbrook Unified School District (HUSD), Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich outlined what the third phase of district’s 12-Point Back to School Plan will entail when school resumes after fall break on Monday, Oct. 19. Having experienced no COVID-19 cases throughout the district since offering half time on-site learning on Sept. 14, HUSD will move forward with full time on-campus opportunities. While still following the path they set with their original goals to continue to create a safe, healthy and educational environment, provide parental choice for options for education, access to technology and food service, the district will be expanding the on-site learning opportunities in the second quarter. The district began virtual and at home learning back in August, and transitioned to hybrid learning in early September. At that time, families had the option to send their child to school for two days out of the week and continue at home or online learning for the remaining two. On Tuesday night, it was announced that the students at both Park Elementary School and Hulet Elementary School will now have the option to send their child back for the full four-day school week. Families who chose to continue with the hybrid model or fully online were still given the option to do so. In accordance with the Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education Board, Indian Wells Elementary School will continue online virtual learning. Holbrook Junior High School and Holbrook High School students were also given the opportunity to return to on campus learning full time. Koerperich explained, “The on-campus options will include on-site educational support systems. Each school has a plan to reduce class sizes, to the extent possible, while maintaining a safe, healthy and educational environment.” Although sixth and seventh grade students can return to full time onsite, they will likely spend two of the four days in a learning center setting. While they will not be transitioning to different classes during those days, they will have various teachers available to assist them with their assignments. Students and staff throughout the district will still be required to wear personal protective equipment like face shields and masks. Families will also be required to sign a waiver if they chose to send their child back for on-site learning. Beginning Oct. 19, families will have the opportunity to evaluate their child’s progress until winter break. If the option they chose is not working out, they can change it then. HHS will continue with Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) sports according to the timelines outlined in the AIA schedule. For more information on the 12-Point Back to School Plan, visit the district website at holbrook.k12.az.us. In other business, the board: * Held a public meeting regarding policies pertaining to the participation of Indian students on an equal basis in the school program. Following the meeting, the policies regarding Indian education were approved. * Approved Nichole Tow as a qualified evaluator for the 2020-2021 school year. * Approved a revision of Cheri Grau’s contract to student services for SY 20-21 due to pending certification requirements. * Approved Choice Wireless as a sole source for hotspots and internet connectivity. * Authorized Governing Board President Olivia Jaquez to sign the terms and conditions for acceptance of monies for the projects from the School Facility Board for an HVAC compressor at HHS, an HVAC compressor at HJHS and replacement coolers on the Munoz Gym. * Approved an updated list of authorized signers and student activities treasurers to include new Business Manager, Casey Hancock. * Approved an updated list of authorized signers and student activities treasurers to include new Business Manager, Casey Hancock. * Approved the revised first year extra duty placement schedule for fiscal year 2021. * Approved the Public Conduct on School Property policy to include that no person shall possess or engage in the use of medical marijuana on district property. * Approved the Basic Instructional Program policy to include the correct statute ARS 319 when the previous version stated ARS 139. * Approved the Parental Involvement in Education policy revision to include the requirement to provide access to the Arizona Department of Education Statutory Handbook of Parental Rights on the district website. * Approved Policy GCF Professional Staff Hiring revision which outlines that information obtained about an employee or applicant for employment by the district in the performance of a background investigation, including any records indicating that a current or former employee of a school or school district was disciplined for violating policies of the School District Governing Board pursuant to ARS 15-531 may be retained by the district and may be provided to any school district or other public school that is performing a background investigation. * Approved the revision of Policy GCC-R Part-time and Substitute Professional Staff Employment, which includes updating the long-term substitute rate to $170 per day as approved by the board in September. * Approved Policy JLCD-R Medicines/Administering Medicines to Students. * Approved the support staff employment of Tina Nez, bus driver; Gretchen Madison, HHS game help; Reanna Chee, Park Elementary School para professional transfer from Hulet Elementary School. * Approved certified employment of Marilyn Francisco, Meghan Carbonneau, Novlynn Wilhelm and Patricia Morre as ESI (Educational Services, Inc.) substitutes; Alicia Chrysler-Burnard, HJHS substitute; Markos Serna, HJHS social studies long term substitute; Lona Haussman, HHS and Hulet Elementary School nurse through ESI beginning Jan. 1, 2021. * Approved certified retirement of Lona Haussman, HHS and Hulet Elementary School nurse beginning Jan. 1, 2021. * Approved extra duty for Brandi Butler, HHS assistant volleyball; Michael Burks, HHS yearbook; Daniel Mitchell, HHS National Honor Society; Ashley Mitchell, HHS Key Club; Sarah Meeks, HHS Fusion director; Dwayne Hawk, HHS Drama Club; Cheryl Carlson, HHS junior class sponsor and game help; Shannon Knight, freshman class sponsor; Stephanie Brosius, sophomore class sponsor; Cary Simpson, senior class sponsor; Ben Coppollo, HHS chess; Melicia Thompson, HHS student council; and Kevin Fosburgh, Pals Daycare. * Approved expense and revolving fund vouchers totaling $356,255. * Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling $1,362,208. * Approved personnel pay for certified staff professional growth totaling $26,951, support staff professional growth totaling $5,219 and Casey Hancock, professional development for $500. Superintendent Robbie Koerperich also recognized Nicole Moyte, Kara Gardner, Meagan Newton-Pender, Beth Baloo, Beth Plumb and Callie Jensen for their effort in applying for the $500 Visa gift card for use with school supplies received from Arizona Public Service. The board acknowledged the receipt of stand up no-touch thermometers donated by Winslow Indian Health to each school in the Holbrook Unified School District. Also, the board acknowledged that United Natives Organization and Dr. Michelle Tom has gifted Indian Wells Elementary school with sanitation wipes, sanitation spray, five-gallon buckets of hand sanitizer, children’s masks, face shields for teachers and parapros.
