Prescott School District November update

PRESCOTT—The Prescott School District met Thursday, November 19, for a regular meeting. The meeting was held remotely, via Zoom call.

Business Manager Thomas Palumbo gave the Superintendent’s report. Superintendent Bradford was out for a family-related reason.

Palumbo reported that the district is closely watching the COVID-19 situation in Walla Walla County.

Palumbo shared a list of staff resignations, adjustments. Some teachers requested a leave of absence, and the district currently has a paraprofessional position open.

Parent-teacher conferences went well, and the district is exploring options for the planned spring conferences. Palumbo noted that the fall conferences were very well-attended by families.

On Tuesday, the district announced that the students would move back to the HOPE 1.0 virtual learning model after COVID-19 cases began to impact the school.

“Prescott School District today is reporting that one of its employees has tested positive for COVID-19. For the safety of students and their families, teachers, staff, and community members, the ECEAP preschool facility, Elementary School, and Secondary School sites will transition to full virtual learning, effective immediately,” said Bradford. The Superintendent’s full message is posted on the district’s website and is available in both English and Spanish on the district’s website. The district hopes to return to in-person learning in January, following the holiday break.

The district is considering adding an ASB director in the future to oversee ASB spending and programs. Palumbo said that the idea is just that, at this time, and further exploration would take place after the COVID-19 pandemic is quieter.

A quick update on WIAA sports was given. The athletic association has pushed the fall sports (football, volleyball) back until March.

The board revisited the solar array project through Apollo Solutions Group. The project, which includes a nearly one-acre solar panel system that can power the entire school, was approved.

The board adjourned the meeting after expressing there was no more discussion to be had.