Quarantine numbers changing daily at Comanche schools

The Comanche Board of Education met in regular session Dec. 8. Board members approved various consent agenda items including the activity fund report, treasurer’s report, and approval of the Child Nutrition Program Procurement Plan. Board members also approved 2020-21 general fund encumbrances.

Superintendent Bills discussed with the board that quarantine numbers are changing daily.

“We are maintaining sustainable staff and student numbers to remain in person,” Bills said. “The leadership team has looked at how an A/B schedule would look. This will only be utilized if there are new regulations that require more spacing. Bills indicated that student and staff numbers are monitored to make determinations and as long as we have staff to cover we will continue in-person learning.”

Bills shared the updated District Plan to adjust for the new quarantine guidelines and the implications for students. The new guidelines include quarantining for 7 days after exposure and return with a negative test and no symptoms – mask worn for the remaining seven days or quarantining for 10 days without a negative test and no symptoms – mask worn for the remaining 4 days.

To ensure that the students are able to utilize the reduced quarantine the district will require masks at all times for all students – even outside and while seated. Bills also shared that altering the return dates and mask guidelines would have an effect on athletics. For students returning prior to 14 days, coaches, in conjunction with the athletic director, will determine appropriate activities for the athletics/PE students which allow for mask-wearing.

Trey Clinkenbeard shared with board members plans for Scissortail Industries which will be located adjacent to school property. Bills also reported to the board that Sean Hushbeck will cover for Meghan Robbins as high school girls’ basketball coach while she is on maternity leave.

Bills shared that she was unsure of Robbins’ return date.

In other business the board passed the resolution to participate as an inaugural district in the formation of the Oklahoma Virtual Education Consortium.

This will allow schools to share resources concerning collective buying power for digital education platforms, resources, and technology, sharing of instructor-produced virtual coursework among school districts, sharing of professional development services and support, and other benefits.