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85% of PdC School District staff say they will get vaccinated

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By Ted Pennekamp

 

A COVID progress report was given during the Prairie du Chien School Board Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night. 

District Administrator Andy Banasik said 85 percent of district staff have indicated they will get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available. The vaccinations were to become available on Feb. 3, but that has been pushed back to sometime between Feb. 3 and Feb. 23. 

Banasik also said surveys will be sent to parents to ascertain how many want five-day, face-to-face instruction and how many want their children to remain in or move to virtual learning. The district has been increasing its number of students in face-to-face instruction, but there are staffing issues. In an effort to help alleviate staffing issues, four new teacher’s aides and a substitute teacher were approved at Monday night’s meeting, as well as a part-time custodian. Also, it was noted that the space in the classrooms would probably not allow for six feet of social distancing. Students, teachers, and other staff would continue to wear masks.

A “working” meeting was scheduled for the school board for Feb. 3 during which the results of the survey, along with other statistics, concerns and ideas will be discussed. The board may take action regarding five-day, face-to-face instruction or some other learning scenario at its Feb. 8 meeting.

In other business, it was noted that the district will probably be receiving more Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding, but it is not known how much. 

Also, when the Cabela’s TIF-TID District closes and the residential TIF-TID District near Universal Forest Products closes, the school district will receive one-time funds due to those TIF-TID closures.

In further business, it was noted that roofing projects are needed at all three school buildings. The total amount is estimated at $500,000 to fix leaks. The roofs are 30 years old. In addition, the boilers in BA Kennedy are a concern. One of the boilers is 20 years old. It is functional but has leaks and is not needed at this time. It will need to be replaced within one or two years, however. The other boiler is five years old and is keeping the building heated. The school board may take action regarding the roof projects and the boilers during its Feb. 8 meeting. Also, the district can move $100,000 from the fund balance to go towards the roof projects. There is $150,000 in the contingency fund for the boiler situation. CARES Act funding could also be used for the roof projects and the boilers.

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