Olney ISD Updates
At last we are able to begin working with kids in summer conditioning programs, athletic camps, band, and academics. Students seem to be ready to return and the turnout has been good. Many students found summer leagues to participate in and we are thankful they are getting outside for fresh air and sunshine. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) continues to post daily COVID-19 data at www.dshs.texas.gov/
We have made good use of our time with empty buildings. The four twenty-ton air conditioning units at the high school gym have been replaced. We have installed new secured entry systems at all doors in our elementary school and new security cameras. The elementary is also receiving fresh paint, blinds, and replacement of some of the floor tiles. We believe parents and the community will be pleased with the building. We have also enlarged and remodeled the junior high gym concession stand and completely overhauled the public restrooms. Our fieldhouse will also receive some attention. This building will receive a new security camera system along with new doors and secured entry.
The safety and security of our students remains at the top of our list of ongoing improvements. Along with the new camera and entry systems we have employed Kelli Cobb in a school security officer position. Her official title will be the Olney ISD School Guardian. This is a position that serves many of the functions of a school resource officer but is a full time, armed, employee of the district. As an individual who has completed the police academy and has served as a peace officer, Mrs. Cobb will be a huge asset to the district. In this position Mrs. Cobb will participate in yearly training that targets keeping our students and staff safe. Along with the employment of Madison Ickert as a licensed master social worker, and the ongoing efforts of our administrative staff, counselors, and teachers, we believe our district comprehensively addresses the safety, health, and well-being of our students and staff. We are working hard at preventing situations, and at the same time, want to ensure we are in a position to appropriately react.
We will soon receive information and direction from the State and The Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding the start of school for 2020-2021. We are planning on starting school in a relatively normal manner with a focus on enhanced hygiene programs and building cleanliness. Specifics are in development as are contingency plans if we are forced into another round of building closures. Please monitor our school website, district and campus social media, and the Olney Enterprise for updates. A major decision made was to begin school as early as possible. This is to begin the process of making up for lost instructional time and provide for attendance flexibility in case of shutdowns.
News media is beginning to pick up on public school funding for the 2020-2021 school year. Opinion pieces are popping up and I believe it is important to provide objective facts. At this time information from TEA continues to flow. What I know is that TEA will cut our regular state foundation funding by $125,599. This is money from the state that we have discretionary authority to spend for yearly instructional and extracurricular operating costs. Federal Cares Act funds that flow to the state will be used to offset the funding reduction. The caveat is that we will then be required to submit a grant application to receive these funds. At this time, and as I understand, the funds will also have restrictions on how they are spent.
CENSUS 2020 REMINDER
It is a continuing reminder to complete U.S. Census data and get it submitted. This information has a huge impact on funding for our state, county, community, and school district. Below is additional information from The Texas Association of Community Schools. This is a professional organization our district is affiliated with.
“As we continue navigating through these uncertain times, one thing remains the same: Texas counts and Texas school superintendents are committed to ensuring every family in their school district is counted for the 2020 Census. The reality is Texas is behind the national average for self-response; however, census champions like you continue gaining momentum in their “Get Out the Count” efforts while increasing the self-response rate in Texas.
It is estimated that Texas will be under-reported by half a million. We can do better! Texans can self-respond by going online at www.my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020 (English), 844-468-2020 (Spanish), or 844-467-2020 (TDD). Finally, paper mailings have been delayed. Families who haven’t reported online or by phone should have recently received a paper questionnaire by mail. The deadline for self-reporting for the census has been extended to October 31st”.