By L. Parsons Last week, the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board met and included in the agenda were policy changes that were approved in the absence of board member Debbie Martinez. Changes include the removal of the mandatory requirement of facial coverings for students and staff, which will now be optional. Another policy states that the district will not be requiring that students or staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. The board also added a policy regarding the teaching of controversial or sensitive issues. According to the policy recommended by the Arizona School Board Association, “The teacher holds a position of authority and respect in the classroom and community, and by virtue of that position has great influence in the formation of the values of all students. It must be clear that personal views are not a part of the instructional program and must be tempered by the responsibility to maintain professionalism.” For example, as the policy reads, “All personnel should seek to create an atmosphere in which difference of opinion can be voiced without fear and hostility and with mutual respect for all viewpoints.” In other business, the governing board: * Heard the monthly financial report for July in which 8% of the school year had lapsed and 3.7% of the budget had been spent. * Accepted a donation of $500 from the APS Supply My Class program to fourth grade teacher Kimberly Baber. * Approved the hiring of Dean Hildebrand, bus driver; Lance Lee, maintenance; and Monique Foy, Winslow High School science teacher. * Accepted the resignation of Emily Coolidge, first grade teacher. * Approved the transfer of Cheryll Daly from substitute teacher to first grade teacher and Morris Nesmith from substitute teacher to elementary school teacher. * Approved the separation of employment of Mary Scarborough, Jefferson Elementary School secretary. * Approved extra duty stipends for sponsors including Bryan Larson, robotics; Natasha Shelton, yearbook; Michelle Jones, National Honor Society; Bailey Cunningham, drama and choir; Kourtney Hendricks, performing arts center stage manager; Tyler Allen, band and orchestra; Lani Leonard, student council; and Brianna Conatser, speech and debate. * Approved Megan Lymer as Winslow Junior High School head softball coach and Stephanie Lymer as WJHS softball volunteer, previously approved as head coach. * Approved Friday, Sept. 10, as an early release date. * Agreed to have a special meeting before Oct. 15 to approve the annual financial report. No date was set and the governing board agreed to have Business Manager Shirley Lomeli contact them when the report is complete to schedule. * Convened in an executive session to discuss personnel matters with no action taken. The next regular meeting of the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, in the board meeting room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
