By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees convened on Tuesday evening for a special meeting.
The Board unanimously voted to revise School Board Policy 1905 in several respects. These changes make face coverings optional instead of mandatory when social distancing cannot be maintained, effective July 1st. The revisions also remove all references to temperature screenings and strikes references that state playground equipment cannot be used.
A handful of people provided public comment, all were in favor of the motion.
An amendment to the motion made by Jake Ingram was approved unanimously. This strikes a portion of a sentence from a part of the policy regarding physical distancing. The policy revision now clarifies that playground equipment can be used during recess.
Masks will still be provided to students and staff if requested. Superintendent Craig Mueller says they have an abundance of masks available for those within the District that would like to continue to use them. These masks were not paid for by the District.
Also discussed at the meeting:
- Unanimous approval of a Return to School Plan that must be provided to the Office of Public Instruction. The Board retains the ability to make changes to the plan until their next regular meeting.
- Unanimous approval of a declaration of unforseen emergency through the end of June 2022, or until terminated by the Board. This declaration allows the District flexibility with virtual classes and other matters while the pandemic continues.
- Unanimous approval of a request for the High School Girls’ Basketball team to travel to Spokane on June 28th-30th for a team camp being hosted by Gonzaga. Funds for this trip are coming from dollars set aside by the activities office
- Renewal of property and liability insurance from the Montana Schools Group Insurance Authority for fiscal year 2022 was approved
- On second reading, revisions to policy 2221 to clarify the responsibilities of employees
- Mueller announced that there will be a Havre School District Job Fair at the Sunnyside Gymnasium on Monday, August 2nd from 4-7 PM and Tuesday, August 3rd from 8 AM-Noon.
