Christian County Public School officials heard and approved the staff COVID-19 vaccine distribution and the latest school re-entry plans during their Thursday evening meeting.
Assistant Superintendent of Administration Laura Morris told board members the COVID-19 vaccine would be available to educators in the third phase of the state’s roll-out plan.
Morris added it’s strongly recommended for staff to take the vaccine. The district will partner with the Christian County Health Department for proper distribution. The vaccine will be free and paid for with federal funding. Staff must sign up for the vaccine by December 31 but can take their name off the list if they decide they don’t want it.
Morris also informed board members they would soon launch what they are calling an advisory hybrid model. The new program would bring middle and high school students back to their respective schools to get the help they need.
The board also approved a recommendation from Superintendent Chris Bentzel to return to in-person learning for students not enrolled in the virtual program. Students will either return on Wednesday, January 6, or Monday, January 11, depending on a final decision after a December 30 meeting.
Tom Bell cast the lone nay vote on that recommendation.
Board members also approved a 1-percent raise for all full-time staff members of Christian County Public Schools. A portion of the raise will be retroactive for the last six months. Staff will receive half of the new raise on their December 31 paycheck, with the remaining raise distributed on their remaining checks for the school year. The pay raise will cost the district an additional $550,000 a year. The goal for the district is to be competitive with other nearby districts to attract more teachers.
Before the meeting, Bentzel presented outgoing board members Linda Keller and Sue Hayes with awards commemorating their service on the board. Keller was elected to the position for 12 years, while Hayes served four years.
