All Quitman students returning to campuses

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 10/15/20

The Quitman ISD school board approved a motion for students to be back in school for face-to-face instruction at the end of the first nine weeks. All students will be expected to attend in-person …

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All Quitman students returning to campuses

Posted

The Quitman ISD school board approved a motion for students to be back in school for face-to-face instruction at the end of the first nine weeks. All students will be expected to attend in-person classes Oct. 20.

Superintendent Rhonda Turner is ready for everyone to get back to the classroom.

“I feel like it is in the best interest of our students and our district to bring our kids back to school and offer face to face instruction only,” Turner said. “My proposal would be the most convenient time would be at the end of the nine weeks. We would be looking at Oct. 20 for all students to return as we begin the second nine week period.”

Currently in remote learning are 63 elementary school students, 27 junior high and 25 high school students. The failure rate of those learning at home is 63% at the junior high level and 67% at the high school level. 

Turner updated the board on the status of COVID-19 cases in the district.

“As of today (Monday) we have a total of four staff cases and a total of five student cases. All of the cases with students have been identified as outside of school exposures,” Turner reported. “I think that we can continue to provide an education to our kids in the safest manner as possible. Our kids belong here and we need them back at school. We will continue to quarantine students and staff. A quarantine simply means they were close to somebody who did test positive.”

The board approved the purchase of two smaller buses at a cost of $39,500 each. The smaller buses can be driven without having to have a commercial license. Drivers must complete the 20-hour bus safety course before taking the wheel. These buses can be used for smaller groups of students such as student council and those sports teams which have limited number of students. The buses will accommodate 14 passengers.

The board approved an updated calendar to accommodate the “Capturing Kid’s Hearts” program which had been scheduled for August but postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The program for the district staff will now be on Jan. 4 and 5 with Jan. 6 a teacher workday.

The board approved an inter-local cooperation agreement for the ad valorem tax collection which will be $36,384 for the year and $9,096 quarterly from the district in cooperation with the county. 

Turner recognized the district’s principals for their hard work and dedication to the students and the district. October is designated as Principals Month.

“We do want to recognize our principals for all of their hard work. They do so much that no one ever sees. This year has been especially trying,” Turner noted. “It has been an extremely interesting year. These principals have hung in there with every change we have pitched to them. They love the kids and I could not be more proud of the job they are doing on their campuses. Principals, thank you for what you do!”