District plugging away in classrooms

January 20, 2022

The Comanche Board of Education met in a regular session on Tuesday, January 12. Board Members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the December board meeting, activity fund reports, and the treasurer’s report.
The board also approved general fund and building fund encumbrances. The superintendent’s evaluation was tabled until the February meeting.
Superintendent Julie Bills reported that the ECF grant (Emergency Connectivity Fund) was awarded to the district. The funding of approximately $443,000.00 will allow for the purchase of student Chromebooks, student I-Pads, teacher I-Pads, bus Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi services for the year.

Bills said, “Receiving this funding at this time is a game-changer for the district as the current devices are reaching the end of their lifespans. The cost difference between ECF funding and the actual cost will be approximately $110 per unit. The district will be able to pay for the difference with stimulus funds.”

In additional reports, Superintendent Bills provided information regarding COVID quick tests that are available for staff, students, and volunteers. Air purifiers were purchased through the Oklahoma Schools COVID-19 Prevention Project Grant, and have been installed in classrooms and common areas to minimize the spread of viruses. Recommended quarantining guidelines have changed and are included in the updated Return to Learn Plan.

Bills advised the board about staff availability concerns: “The district has several staff members out and I have concerns about having enough substitutes to cover all areas in the upcoming weeks,” Bills said. “Staffing and student numbers will be looked at daily to make distance learning determinations. Several faculty members have filled in and covered additional areas so we can keep the buses running and ensure student safety.”

In other business, the board approved the hiring of Kayla Willett and Karlee Gomez for elementary classroom teaching positions.
January is School Board Appreciation Month and board members Charlie Gay, Amy Shelby, Thomas Winton, Cheryl Pannell, and James Peacock were recognized for their service to the district. Bills thanked them for their dedication and willingness to serve the students of Comanche.