School Board Adjusts Mask Enforcement Policy
The Culbertson School District board of trustees held their regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15. The meeting was held in the school cafeteria. Social distancing was encouraged.
Following role call and the recognition of visitors, the agenda was approved. Minutes were approved for the Aug. 11 regular board meeting and an Aug. 19 special meeting.
A second reading was conducted for board policy manual updates to Section 3000 (students) and Section 5000 (personnel). A change to the health and safety policy was approved by the board, stipulating that failures to bring and/or wear masks on district property will now be treated like violations of the school dress code.
“This isn’t punishment,” said board chair Paul S. Finnicum, “but if you’re going to be here, you have be dressed appropriately.”
Finnicum and the board discussed the matter with members of the audience. A parent suggested asking the students to wear masks all day in all situations. Principal Mike Olson said the problem was limited to a small number of students who are willfully disregarding school policy. The change to the health and safety policy is intended to give school administrators a tool for addressing failures to comply with the gubernatorial mandate.
“Most kids are wearing the masks most of the time,” said Olson. “What we’re dealing with are a handful of kids who are kind of bucking the system.”
Olson said specific parents have been contacted regarding the repeated failures to comply, but progress enforcing the policy remains frustrating for school staff.
Under new business, classified staff contracts were approved for four guest teachers. An increased activity director’s stipend was approved for to cover additional duties undertaken this year.
Keri Hauenstein addressed the board about class fundraising efforts generally and free athletic shoes on offer for students from the Soles 4 Soles program. The board approved the program.
A student attendance agreement was approved for student(s) from Lambert.
The next regular meeting is set for Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
