Prescott School Board discusses mental health, school activities

PRESCOTT-The Prescott School Board met on January 18, at 7 p.m., via a hybrid meeting. Since the South Central Region is now in Phase 2 of the Roadmap to Recovery plan, the school board members met in person while guests joined via Zoom.

The school board discussed proposed legislation currently being considered in Washington, which focuses on K-12 education. The first discussed was SB 5030, a bill related to the development of comprehensive school counseling programs. Superintendent Justin Bradford shared that the bill recognizes students' need to have access to quality mental health care. It would expand the availability of counselors within a school system. The legislation is currently in committee at the state senate.

According to Bradford, Prescott School District was one of two districts in the county selected by Comprehensive Mental Health in Walla Walla for grant-funding to add more counselors available to their students. He said that mental health care is especially needed now, as the pandemic lockdown approaches its one-year mark.

Bradford said that they have already met with a counselor hired through the grant program. He shared that the district now provides a safe area where students may speak with the counselor if needed. The counselor is also available to meet with families of students. He said funding from the grant would cover one year of counseling services and hopes the district will be able to continue offering the service beyond that.

The other bill discussed was SB 5044, concerning professional learning, equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system. Bradford shared that this bill addresses racial issues within public schools and that Washington State has not done all it can to eliminate racism within its educational system. It will help mitigate inequities by addressing access to special education needs, unfair punishments, and other institutionalized issues. Bradford said this bill would benefit the Prescott School District, which serves a large Latino population. The legislation will help the district explore support for students of color in being as successful as possible with their education.

Finally, the board discussed SB 5128, regarding student transportation funding during a local, state, or national emergency. The bill addresses budgetary issues, with many schools not running transportation services through the past 12 months due to the pandemic.

Bradford gave the athletic report on behalf of Athletic Director Jeff Foertsch, who was not in attendance. Moving into Phase 2 of the reopening plan now allows student-athletes to compete in games. The district's first basketball game was played on January 18 at Sunnyside Christian. The season's first soccer game was delayed due to weather and rescheduled for a March 2 start.

Bradford noted that to attend indoor sports like volleyball, spectators must sign-up ahead of time. Indoor sports competitions are limited to 25% capacity of the game's venue. At 25% capacity, Prescott's gym can allow 90 people, including athletes, coaches, and officials. The district will be live streaming games when possible.

At the last meeting, Bradford shared his plans for a school bonfire and a challenge he issued to students: If at least 60 students showed up to the morale-boosting event, Bradford and other staff would get mohawks.

At the Thursday meeting, Bradford showed off his new hairstyle and was excited about the event's successful turnout. Along with the superintendent, Thomas Palumbo, Jason Just, and one of the custodial staff now have mohawks, with one staff member, Jon Frasco, still needing to see the hairstylist.

The district is working on the school's schedule to help students attain all 24 credits required for graduation. With restrictions still in place, Bradford hopes to work towards staff being more involved in the middle school grades, keeping students engaged. He is exploring new classes at the high school level, including an advisory period. Eventually, the district will be asking for input from the community, he said.

To date, the district has used two of the three snow days reserved for the year. Classes will be held on April 2, the day before spring break, with the other days added at the end of the school year. He said student safety is the utmost priority, and he will work with other school officials on how to make up the other snow days.

The school is looking at installing HEPA filters to the school's air systems. Board member Erik Young, the owner of Young's Heating and Cooling, offered some expert insight on the topic. He shared some product updates that would work with the school's system, like a REME HALO® in-duct air purifier using UV light.

The board adjourned the meeting after a brief discussion on ASB funds.