Student numbers on the rise

POMEROY-Superintendent Rachel Gwinn announced at the District meeting March 23, enrollment was up to 307 for the month of March, which was an increase of six new students from February.

At the February meeting, the board approved Resolution No. 289, which authorized the District to request participation in the Washington State School District Credit Enhancement Program. This action was taken to allow the District to apply for a lower interest rate on the current outstanding bond. Kelly McKeirnan, Business Manager, gave an update on the application and announced that the District had accepted a bid from U.S. Bank. The bid will result in a savings of $113,650 over a four-year period.

A special meeting of the Pomeroy School District Board of Directors has been scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2020, at 6 p.m. via Zoom, for the purpose of considering and acting upon Resolution No. 291, which authorizes the District to issue, sell and deliver its unlimited tax general obligation refunding bond to pay, retire and refund the District's outstanding Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2010.

With the recent passage of SB 5395 for Sexual Education for K-12, Gwinn has suspended all current curriculum that has been used in previous years, while awaiting guidance from the Office of Public Instruction (OSPI) before taking further action. The required courses would need to be implemented in grades 7 through 12 by the 2021-2022 school year, and in the elementary school by the 2022-2023 school year.

Gwinn also updated the board on recent legislation in regards to COVID-19. In regards to 2020 Senate Bill 6189, clarifying eligibility for school employees' benefits board coverage, all employees will continue to receive eligibility during the remainder of the school year. House Bill 2965 establishes an emergency waiver to allow flexibility from graduation requirements, and House Bill 2739 allows shared leave for employees who are isolated or quarantined.

Actions taken due to the COVID-19 virus include school closure, educational packets and opportunities extended to all students the week of March 16, as well as additional support for students via social media, phone calls and email. Parents and students have been encouraged to contact the school for support and guidance during the closure. Breakfast and lunch were being provided as a "grab and go" option from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day. About 40 to 50 students were served daily. Beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020, all district buildings were closed to staff, and only essential staff were to be on-site. This also stopped the distribution of all educational materials. The "grab and go" meals were continued through March 27. Gwinn issued a statement that the District would be working on a plan for after Spring Break (March 30 through April 3) which would minimize contact and allow staff to follow the Governor's orders to stay home. They would be waiting on more guidance on how to continue providing educational opportunities for students.

Other actions taken at the board meeting included approving Resolution 290 for Emergency Closure, which allows for the suspension of "provisions of its board policies and/or whole policies, as identified by the District Superintendent or designee." This action stemmed from the Governor's order to close all Washington schools due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The board is also currently reviewing Emergency Policy 3432, which outlines the requirements and procedures for any emergencies that may occur, and expect to vote on approval at the next board meeting.