District Source
December 15, 2020 | SPAPSD Staff Update
School Board Highlights
Superintendent Gerlach provided updates on the Operational Status Update for the 2020-21 School Year including the current decrease in current COVID-19 case rates in Wisconsin, Portage County and the School District, students returning to school January 4, the decision to continue to follow the 14-day quarantine guidelines and winter athletics and activities. Assistant Superintendent Hirsbrunner and Director Negaard provided a learning model update including the ongoing rationale for returning elementary students in a 4-day a week model. Gerlach also recognized the recent $12,592 donation to elementary schools from Cooper Oil and sponsored lunches for each staff member from Woodlands Church Women's Ministry Team.
The Consent Agenda, including the approval of monthly bills and employment recommendations, were approved.
Business Services
The board accepted the 2019-20 annual financial report, approved amending the 2019-20 adopted budget, approved the Madison Elementary asbestos abatement bid, McKinley Elementary bid package 15.
The referendum financial summary and financial statements were provided by the District Finance Manager.
Educational Services
Secondary course proposals and revisions for the 2021-22 school year were approved.
Student Services
Director Feidt provided an introduction to the Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN). The District has recently been accepted into MSAN which will focus on
- culturally responsive online learning,
- fighting racism,
- supporting multilingual learners and students receiving special education services, and
- critical self-care.
Technology
Director Casey provided the 2020 Safety and Security report required for compliance with Act 143 for information only.
General
The next regular meeting of the school board is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 11, 2020.
The meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the District YouTube Channel.
The EAP Can Do That
Ways EAPs help that are often overlooked: 1) Acting as a sounding board when you face a tough decision. 2) Help for deciding whether you need a professional counselor or a completely different type of resource. 3) Problem solving about how to help a friend who won’t get help or admit they have a problem. 4) Guidance on handling a personality clash with a coworker or boss. 5) Help to rule out whether you are depressed, burnt out, or experiencing signs of any other condition.
COVID-19 Reminders and Updates
- The CDC issued optional guidance that may reduce the amount of quarantine time required for individuals identified as close contacts through the process of contact tracing. At this time, the District will continue with the 14 day quarantine guidelines. If the decision is made to adopt the new optional guidance, information regarding requirements and additional documentation will be shared with those who are responsible for contact tracing and monitoring students and staff. Administrators will continue to seek guidance from Portage County Health regarding the ongoing response to COVID-19.
- During the E-Learning Period, individuals may request and be approved to bring school-age children to work on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This approval will be at the discretion of the direct supervisor.
- Individuals who have childcare issues on Wednesdays may work from home on Wednesdays at the discretion of their supervisor.
Updates have been made to the Employee Feels Sick and Employee Close Contact flowcharts. These updates reflect changes made by Portage County Health regarding release documents and clarify when employees should reach out to a medical provider.
Please be reminded that per the Employee Compensation policy 5.05, the completion of 15 professional development hours (teaching staff, prorated for part-time), as well as the completion of Public School Works training (all staff), is required for any increase granted by the School Board, including any negotiated increase for employees both on and off the compensation schedule as well as movement on the compensation schedule. For the upcoming school year, these professional development hours are to be completed by March 31, 2021.
- Information regarding the District's response, active positive cases that have impacted buildings and protocols and expectations can be found on the District's website. This information will continue to be updated as based on changing circumstances and guidance from Public Health, DHS, DPI and CDC.
- Mask Requirements for students and staff will remain in place when we return after Winter Break. The District mask requirements are separate from those issued by the Governor of Wisconsin. Additional information on the extension of the state order through January 19, 2021, can be found here.
In The News
Contact Us
Email: info@pointschools.net
Website: www.pointschools.net
Location: 1900 Polk Street, Stevens Point, WI, USA
Phone: 715-345-5456
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Twitter: @pointschools