The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Board of Education meeting Monday night looked a little different with new superintendent Joe Nelson helming the meeting, but the group made progress on several important topics.
New Athletic Director Tim Morrison was on hand to discuss the district’s “Return to Play” plan. This plan would allow students to start open gyms, weight programs, and workouts immediately. Morrison explained that all these activities are voluntary and limited to one hour, two times per week per sport. Athletes will be health screened by coaches. They must bring their own water and ball and will be organized into small groups. Locker room use is not permitted. All strength and conditioning activities will take place outdoors to allow social distancing. Morrison said that these rules will be in place until August 10 when fall sports season practice starts. At that point, the plan will be reassessed. The board approved the plan.
They also approved the district’s Return to Learn plan. School will start face to face for all students on August 24. Nelson detailed the plan to require face shields for faculty and staff and strongly encourage them for students. Sandy McGrath from Wright County Public Health weighed in and reiterated her support of the plan. Nelson said, “With the measures we’re putting in place, I’m confident we can be successful.” The district plans to send staff and parents a letter with full Return to Learn details by the end of the week.
In staffing changes, the board approved coaching contracts for Ben Lindaman (HS boys track), Karen Staples (freshmen VB), Craig Warnke (Asst. FB), and Mike Bowman (Asst FB). Various teaching appointments were approved: Teresa Godby (4th grade), Virginia Hoverstein (3rd grade), Naomi Pool (4th grade), Lindsey Muhlenbruch (5th grade), and in para positions- Emilio Zacarias and Jody Johnson. Kathy Reichter also verbally accepted the accounts payable/HR position.
During the meeting, Nick and Elizabeth McOllough addressed the board about purchasing the school owned property adjacent to their house on the 1000 block of 3rd Ave NE. The footpath that leads to the high school goes right by their house and is school property. The McOlloughs note that they maintain that area, including trimming trees and having seeded it recently. They would like to purchase it so they would be investing in their own property. The board noted they would discuss the matter and address it next meeting.
Since it was his first meeting, Nelson shared some of his goals for his time as superintendent. He emphasized that his first priority is building relationships. He has been excited to meet district faculty and staff in addition to community members. He mentioned a few facility improvements that he will immediately be pursuing, including handicap seating at the stadium. He admitted that the first seven days of the job have been a whirlwind, but he’s happy to be here. “This is what I signed on for and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he affirmed.
