Keith Hale, Superintendent of Glasgow Independent Schools, listens to board members speak during a meeting in Glasgow High’s library Monday, July 13, 2020.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
Story by Jordan Smith, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Coronavirus policy updates, approval of an amendment to the superintendent’s contract of employment and an update to the new South Green Elementary School were some of the items discussed at Glasgow Independent Schools’ Board of Education meeting Monday.
The omicron variant of the coronavirus continues to spread across the area, including Glasgow. The Barren River District Health Department reported last week 84.6 daily cases per 100,000 people. That data represents seven previous days.
Tara Martin, the school system’s Supervisor of Instruction, said a recent increase in positive cases was slight. The administration continues to enforce its current COVID-19 operations plan.
“We are seeing a slight rise in our numbers — both students and staff — that are either testing positive or having to be quarantined because of close contact,” Martin said. “Our buildings are still mask optional at the moment.”
The area health department has praised the district in its handling of the virus in recent months. Contact tracing and social distancing policies were tagged as effective methods to keep numbers relatively low compared to the size of the district and surrounding counties.
“Every Thursday, the district administrators, we communicate with the health department,” Martin said.
The school system follows recommendations from the area hospital, too. Those recommendations set the pace for the next week’s response.
Martin said about 50% of students and staff choose to wear a mask daily.
In other business, Superintendent Keith Hale’s contract was extended. His contract was scheduled to end June 30, 2023. The board approved an extension to 2024.
Hale became superintendent in 2017. He previously served as Glasgow High School’s principal where he started in 2011.
A construction update was provided regarding the South Green Elementary School building. Crews began Monday clearing trees along the edge of James T. Rogers Road in the first step before breaking ground.
“It’s exciting to see some movement over there on those grounds,” Martin said.
The school’s pickup and drop off lines were shifted behind the school as a result of the construction start.
There is yet to be a timetable describing when the construction of the building will begin. The school system said warmer weather will likely mark the first stages of construction because ground temperature will make it easier to dig.
And though the school system may be excited about the new building, students at South Green Elementary are looking forward to it most.
“I know the kids are probably getting excited just seeing the machinery out there,” Martin said, “knowing that it means a new school for them.”
