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Huntingdon School Board Approves August 4 Reopening with Virtual Option

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By Brad Sam
brad@mckenziebanner.com
© 2020 Tri-County Pub., Inc.
HUNTINGDON (July 16) — The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education met Thursday at the central office to approve a plan for the reopening of schools as well as the 2020-21 budget.
The plan approved by board members projects students to begin class in-person on August 4 but includes a virtual option, and it was strongly emphasized the situation, and therefore the plan, could change before the first day arrives. Director of Schools Pat Dillahunty has the authority and the support of the board to make changes based developing conditions.
In a letter to the public Monday, July 20, Director Dillahunty relayed some details, including some beyond what was discussed in the meeting. It read, in part, “We feel our students will be excited to return to school, see their classmates and resume their educational journey. Plans to return to school have not been made without keeping what is best for students as our focus. We constantly consider guidelines from the CDC and our state and local health departments to ensure our students are as safe as possible under the current circumstances.
“It is our intent to serve all students academically. We are hopeful for in-person traditional classes. Plans to implement this include: Clean/disinfect daily; Strongly encouraging but not requiring students and staff wear face mask; Daily temperature checks of all students, staff, visitors; Limit visitors in building; Limit sharing of resources; No visitors at lunch, parties, etc. until further notice; Changes to cafeteria protocol and eating arrangements. Social distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible and strategies will be implemented by school administrators based on the feasibility of the unique space at each school and each classroom.
“Every family situation is unique. We also realize that for some there are varying degrees of concern in your child returning to school in-person on August 4. Therefore we will be offering a virtual option that might possibly be an option for your student. If you choose this option, please know that students will be held accountable for attendance and all assignments. Specific details about this plan will be shared with the families who want to pursue this option. Call 986-2222 or email Alan Eubanks at aeubanks@huntingdonschools.net to discuss this option.
“To the parents and guardians of HSSD students, we realize that we must be prepared to make changes on a daily basis and appreciate your cooperation as we strive to offer the best education opportunity possible during this most difficult time.”
As the letter alludes, the virtual option will be managed by Supervisor Alan Eubanks. Parents must apply for the option for a nine-week period, after which parents can reapply or opt back in to in-person classes. Eubanks noted at the board meeting “all attendance and grade policies will apply.” Dillahunty added, “They will be held accountable.”

Dillahunty said the district has enough devices for each student in the event that all learning must be virtual.
She said the schools would have masks available for everyone. They will not be required, but will be strongly encouraged.
Board Chairman Dr. Lee Carter said he was thankful for Dillahunty and the administration and impressed that there aren’t static rules and regulations. He emphasized the importance of being able to make adjustments.
Vice Chairman Tim Tucker made the motion to “approve the general guidelines for opening August 4 and give [Director Dillahunty] the latitude to do what we need to do,” which was approved unanimously.
Also approved was the 2020-21 budget and certified tax rate. The budget is balanced at $12,188,041 and includes one-time bonuses of $750 for certified employees and $500 for non-certified employees, but no salary raise. The new tax rate is $1.1211 per $100 assessed value, down from $1.34 per $100 assessment last year.
At the recommendation of the Tennessee School Boards Association, board members approved a resolution to suspend board policies that could conflict with changes needed in response to the pandemic.
Board members also amended policy on college-level and dual enrollment courses to align with the new policy of the state board of education.
During the meeting, Director Dillahunty acknowledged the retirement of Debbie Lawson after 34 years of service.
The meeting adjourned in just under half an hour.
The board next meets Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m.