New Bloomfield school board to discuss masks

FILE: The New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education agenda and meeting documents can be found at bit.ly/36QD5iW.
FILE: The New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education agenda and meeting documents can be found at bit.ly/36QD5iW.

A mask discussion is on the agenda Thursday for the New Bloomfield R-3 School District Board of Education's 6 p.m. meeting.

Earlier this month, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, shared modified guidance assessing exposures that might occur in schools.

Acknowledging the strain staff quarantines have placed on Missouri schools, the state has determined that if individuals are properly wearing masks, they don't need to be identified as close contacts even if they spent time with someone with a positive COVID-19 test. This means schools with mask mandates could see less individuals sent home to quarantine.

With these current events in mind, the board will discuss the new guidance and consider a mask mandate.

Also on the agenda are reports from school principals and guidance counselors, as well as COVID-19 updates. The agenda and meeting documents can be found at bit.ly/36QD5iW.

In her report, middle school and high school counselor Dara Reinkemeyer included follow-up information from recent graduates.

Of 55 former students, 30 are currently attending further schooling, including 12 who took advantage of the A+ program. Another 22 are working and two entered the military.

Of current New Bloomfield students, most are working toward meeting the A+ requirements - 32 freshmen, 33 sophomores, 41 juniors and 39 seniors.

Elementary school counselor Siobhanna Mayotte also prepared a report, explaining guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services and system support.

School principals Paul Cloudwright and Jennifer Fletcher will also speak to the board, discussing recent developments in their buildings.

Superintendent Sarah Wisdom's report covers finances, bonds, the budget, food service, COVID-19 and efforts to increase internet coverage.

As they have every month this year, the board again consider case counts, extracurricular activities and spectator restrictions and community usage of district buildings.

The board is expected to approve a psychological examiner contract with Jeannie Imhoff at a rate of $350 per day of service or $65 per hour for partial days.

In other business, the board will present the result of its self-evaluation, a survey in which board members rated the board's decision-making processes, interpersonal relations and communication with the community.