The USD 258 Humboldt school board accepted the retirement of Kay Lewis, effective June 30, 2021, as outlined in a letter she provided the board.
“It’s been a year of change,” she said during her superintendent’s report, but did not speak to the specific reasons behind her retirement.
Lewis did say that new air filtration systems have been installed in all district buildings, and waterproofing for all buildings should be completed soon.
Lightning struck a transformer at the sports complex, and unfortunately the scoreboard will no longer turn on.
Lewis noted that the building trades house should be completed relatively soon, and so those interested in making a bid should keep their eyes peeled.
She also read the names of teachers who’d achieved milestones in years of service. Gracie Newman is celebrating her 25th year of teaching, and is also receiving a special recognition from the KU education school.
Lewis and others suggested that the general sentiment of the new school year was that people were simply glad to be back and physically present.
It’s a precarious balance, as Humboldt’s policy is to send home for quarantine anyone who is potentially exposed to COVID-19.
IN OTHER news, board members approved the hiring of several personnel to help take temperatures at the door during COVID-19.
The board also adopted the Tri Valley League COVID-19 procedures, which may help reduce confusion regarding policies for visiting athletics teams and other groups.
“Nobody could come to a consensus on what was required and what was not,” someone said.
Kevin Heisler raised concerns about multiple COVID-19 policies, one of which had to do with whether or not students could use microwaves.
An extended discussion then took place regarding meal preparation across the district, and how COVID has affected things like how meals are packaged.
Another concern along these lines was that, presumably since students are being staggered for their entry into the lunchroom, it was claimed some in the later groups may not be getting fresh meals.
There was some discussion that an outside group could be hired to come in and provide meal service, but the notion was nixed by many.
