The March 18 New Franklin school board meeting went as planned despite school not being in session. The open session lasted two hours; however, not many things were decided.

The coronavirus pandemic is uncharted waters to all schools, so making decisions can be very difficult. With all band and choir events canceled, and athletics undecided, the schedule is uneventful. The protection of students and families is the board’s number one priority at the moment, so all decisions have to be well thought-out.

As usual the two principals, Benji Dorson and Dawn Shipp, gave their reports. With everything postponed or canceled, there was not much to decide or discuss. District Superintendent Brian Cordel and board members discussed which insurance company the school will go with for next year. The teachers were given reports of how much each option would cost and voted. It was discovered that there might have been some confusion over prices, so the board tabled the issue and decided to let the teachers re-vote with the new information.

Superintendent Cordel had 13 policy updates that consisted of slight rewording of previous policies. The board approved all updates. 

Another topic for the board was staff salaries for the upcoming year. There is talk of increasing salaries. It was also decided that if school is back in session around Easter, the Easter break will remain as scheduled.

A large portion of the meeting was discussion of different options and ideas surrounding COVID-19. New Franklin allows children to take home “Buddy Packs,” which contain snacks and different foods for students with food insecurities. The board discussed having larger packs made and picked up at different locations for families during this at-home period.

The school wants to limit the amount of people coming inside school buildings during this break. Teachers may need to come in to make copies and or grab things needed to teach from home, but should avoid if possible. The custodial staff plans on continuing to sanitize the school to help prevent spreading of the virus.

School board meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend.