KDSN RADIO News
Denison School Board approves policies for new school year
The Denison Community School District Board of Directors made plans to operate under much of the district's normal pre-COVID restriction procedures during their monthly meeting earlier this week.
The board approved the second reading of their policies for the upcoming academic year. A learning plan addendum included requiring all students to attend school in person and personal choice mask usage for all students, staff, and visitors. It goes on to say that the District will continue to support health and safety through the following mitigation practices:
Increased circulation of outdoor air through our HVAC systems and more frequent air filter maintenance
Encouraging frequent hand washing, covering of coughs and sneezes, and staying home when not feeling well
Increased availability of hand sanitizer in common areas and public spaces
Custodial cleaning practices will be focused on health, which includes an emphasis on disinfecting surfaces where bacteria and viruses are more likely to be transmitted
Maximize space when and where possible in school buildings
Students and staff with a positive test can return to school after meeting the following criteria: 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. If no symptoms may return 10 days after a positive test.
The board received no comments during a brief public hearing on their most recent Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief plan. They authorized Whitney Urich as Level I Investigator with the Denison Police Department at Level II and approved the school nutrition plan for this year as well. The board endorsed 16 personnel appointments and accepted seven resignations.
Superintendent Mike Pardun told the board that the district is working with Western Iowa Tech Community College on developing a Career Academy as a joint project. Superintendent Pardun and Business Manager Scott Larson met with The DLR Group to discuss the various facility projects outlined at previous meetings. The Omaha-based engineering firm will report back before the September meeting with information on possible time frames and costs to help determine the next course of action.
Larson also updated the board on summer work that is being completed such as removing walls to make the high school science room larger, moving a fiber underground between Denison and Broadway Elementary, replacing the high school Fine Arts Center carpet, and removing the high school softball fence to update and replace it this fall.
The first day of school is Monday, August 23rd.
You can find full school board meeting agendas and minutes here.
