Community Update and Board Update
A recap of the school board meeting held on October 21, 2020
Superintendent Update
Dear Blue Devil Families:
During the most recent briefing from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and in discussions with our local Hamilton County Health Department, it is clear that the COVID-19 data is headed in the wrong direction. Hamilton County now has a high potential to change to purple on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System when the map is updated October 29th.
We do not expect any mandates or additional school guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, and the Reading Community City School District is not tied to the alert system to determine the learning model we are using.
It is important to reiterate to our community that we believe we are operating in the safest manner possible. Our learning model follows current CDC and ODH guidance for appropriate distancing in our classrooms. Mask requirements, hand washing/sanitizing, and cleaning protocols for the building are best practices for maintaining a safe environment for our students and staff.
We will continue to monitor data from the building, community, and county as part of our decision-making process and as always we will communicate with parents and staff if any changes are necessary.
Be safe and well,
Jason Enix
Superintendent
Recap of the Board Meeting held October 21
At the Board of Education meeting held Wednesday, October 21st, Superintendent Jason Enix discussed strategic planning, ongoing district and community COVID reporting, along with work on construction, demolition and maintenance. Committee updates were also delivered.
The proposed calendar for the 2022-2023 school year was shared with the board. It can be viewed here.
Mr. Enix reviewed the strategic planning process, which includes a diverse group of staff, community members and students, totaling 33 participants. Meetings are planned for the Mission and Vision Steering Committee Thursday, October 29th from 5:30-7:30pm and Thursday, November 12th from 5:30-7:30pm. Meetings will be available for viewing through the district’s YouTube Live channel, with a progress report provided at the November 4th Board Work Session.
Mr. Enix discussed the current district COVID dashboard, which is available here, and the increase in indicators across Hamilton County, which currently have the county in red on the Ohio Public Alert System. The district leadership continues to track how other districts are responding, including their education models, case totals and quarantine data when available.
Work continues on punch-out list items, with contractors making progress during the extended break Oct. 7, 8, 9. Work also continues along the Thurnridge and Bolser property lines. Maintenance planning continues for the building, with a contract with Omnia360 expected for consideration at November 4 Board meeting.
The Buildings and Grounds Committee will convene to meet with VSWC regarding Hilltop Athletic Complex with recommendations to the board later this year. The Finance Committee is scheduled to reconvene on November 4th at 4:30pm, with a meeting in public session, virtually, and viewed through YouTube Live. A Wellness Committee has been established to focus on health, nutrition, and overall well-being with mental health to be an additional focus. The committee is scheduled to reconvene October 28th to establish goals, focus areas, and action plans.
Mr. Enix discussed the upcoming schedule for community chats, which includes new virtual chats. The purpose of the chats is allow residents to come together with the superintendent and treasurer in small groups for an open discussion. One-on-one virtual discussions are also scheduled for October 29th and November 1st. The list of upcoming meetings is included in the presentation, linked below, and are available for community members to sign up here.
Superintendent's Report 10/21/20
Reading Community City Schools
Email: kblair@readingschools.org
Website: www.readingschools.org
Location: 810 East Columbia Avenue, Reading, OH, USA
Phone: 513-842-5109
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingCommunityCitySchools
Twitter: @ReadingCSD