HUMBOLDT — School District 258 has money to burn.
The district recently received $366,000 in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds as part of the federal CAREs Act.
Now the challenge is to create a strategic plan for how to spend it.
On Monday, Superintendent Kay Lewis shared with board members an intricate color-coded “map” of the plan thus far, which included feedback from staff.
Some possible items include increasing community engagement post-COVID, hiring literacy specialists, developing curriculum, improving internet and boosting student social and emotional health.
A plan must be developed and in place before funds can be released.
Another question of the evening was whether students who opted for remote learning due to COVID-19 would be allowed to attend prom.
Following a spirited discussion and a vote along those lines, however, the policy remained unchanged such that remote students will NOT be allowed to attend.
Board members also approved creation of a high school dance team for the 2021-2022 season.
The new team will perform at halftime of home games.
Some positions may be rearranged and rethought regarding counseling and advising duties at the 6-12 level.
It was proposed to have one position more focused on 6-12 counselling, while another focused on 6-12 career planning.
The staff and administration seemed amenable with the change, but the issue was tabled until a future date so that the board could discuss it first behind closed doors in executive session.
The board agreed to approve plans for this year’s after-prom festivities, while making them as “COVID-friendly” as possible.
This year the event will be at the Field House in Humboldt as a safety precaution, but there will still be inflatables and lots of other fun activities.
Members agreed it would be best to continue ushering students directly from prom clean-up to the after-events to discourage wayward behavior.
