The 2021-22 staffing plan was approved by the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education at its March 16 meeting, along with a provision that allows administration to make changes to the Rocket Re-entry Plan for the remainder of the school year without School Board approval.
The staffing proposal included few changes for the upcoming school year. In certified staff changes, there is a.24 FTE increase at the secondary level to account for a daily schedule change at Shattuck Middle School. There is a reduction of a 1.0 FTE secondary music teacher due to a decrease in enrollment in music courses. In non-certified staffing, the plan includes the reduction of the high school substitute coordinator/administrative assistant/health aide position and the merger of the District office receptionist and psychology department administrative assistant positions.
A change in the daily safety protocols at Horace Mann Middle School was approved by the Board. Beginning March 30, students will move from classroom to classroom in cohorts with staff members remaining in the same rooms. The school had been doing the opposite where staff members were moving from room to room to reduce student movement in the hallways. Additionally, the Board granted administration latitude to make changes such as these on its own for the remainder of the school year instead of seeking Board approval each time.
The Board approved a proposal for artificial turf at the new Neenah High School stadium. Midwest Sports and Turf Systems was approved, despite not having the lowest bid. The decision was made based on the company’s eight-year warranty and high recommendations from other local Districts who have used the company. The bid of $524,808 was still $38,067 below the District’s budget allotment.
Several Board policies were adopted in regards to nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunities and use of tobacco and nicotine products. A discussion ensued about the potential of some companies who are involved in tobacco sales purchasing advertisements on school property, but it was resolved that very few companies have approached the District wanting to spend large amounts of advertising money in the past and, if this happens, the conversations would be welcomed and handled on a case-by-case basis. In personnel moves, the Board approved the end-of-school year resignation of Washington Educational Assistant Amanda Fleege.
During the superintendent’s report, a discussion was held about conducting future Board meetings with Board members in person now that community case numbers are declining and most Board members are getting vaccinated. Overall, Board members were receptive of beginning to meet in person due to the benefits of in-person meetings. Administrators and members of the public would still join virtually until further notice.
The next meeting is set for April 6 at 6 p.m.
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