Riverside to give incentives

Riverside School Board members reviewed the financial statement, approved Covid-19 sick leave, established incentive payments for staff who have taken Covid vaccines, reviewed upcoming events, announced plans to host a vaccine clinic, discussed renovation of building, approved handbook updates, approved student transfer and set lunch prices at the August meeting held on Monday evening.

Following a board training session, the meeting was called to order by president Greg Douglas with all board members present.

Superintendent Jeff Priest reviewed the financial statement reporting the district is ahead of where it started last year at the same time.

"We are working on the budget for the upcoming year and should have it ready by the next meeting," Superintendent Priest said.

He also gave a report on the savings from the installation of the LED lighting project.

"We were told there would be a $28,000 to $30,000 savings and that information was correct," Mr. Priest said."It saved us $32,000 over the year before. That savings was with the school year closing early.  The solar field being installed in Caraway should be completed in about six weeks."

The first day of school for students will be Monday,  Aug. 16. The high school open house will be held on  Tuesday, Aug. 10,  with 7th grade orientation to be held at 6-7 p.m. and open house for 8-12 grades from 7-8 p.m. The elementary open house will be on Thursday, Aug. 12, with kindergarten girls and 1st through 3rd grades being held from 6-7 p.m. and kindergarten boys and 4th through 6th grades from 7-8 p.m. Teachers will be returning  to school on Monday, Aug. 9.

Riverside will host a Covid-19 vaccine clinic on Aug. 20, at the high school, from 7:30-9:00 a.m., for students and faculty.

"We will get the information and forms out to the parents," Mr. Priest said. “The clinic will be held at the high school gymnasium.”

"With Riverside  hosting the vaccine clinic, it will make it convenient for our staff and students who wish to take it," Mr. Priest said.

The board passed a leave resolution for staff allowing eight days for Covid leave.

Mr. Priest said this will also apply for parents with young children who  may have to stay home with them if the student is quarantined.  If more than eight days in the school year are needed, staff will have to use their sick days.

"I'm hoping we are doing this for nothing, but it could be an issue," Mr. Priest said.

Student lunch prices were increased from $2.90 to $3 as recommended by the state.

"All of our students will eat free this year," Mr. Priest said.

The board had discussed having the old agri building on the Caraway campus removed. It has roof damage and is not being utilized. Mr. Priest informed the board that he had two contractors look at the building, which is attached to the gymnasium.

"Both said they would not tear it down," Mr. Priest said. "The beams are attached to the back of the gymnasium. We have looked it over and got two quotes on re-roofing the building. We have also looked at several ways to use the building. It is large enough for an indoor tennis practice facility, can be used by cheerleaders, storage, an archery practice area and there is a classroom area. The insurance will pay for a metal roof."

The cost of the material for the roof is $26,948 and the labor will be $24,725. Mr. Priest  went on to say it would cost $14,000 to take it to the ground and he would not want to do anything that would damage the gym on the Caraway campus.

"It could be very well used with a new roof and clean up," Mr. Priest said.

The board voted unanimously to have the roof restored and utilize the building.

In other business:

*The board approved a transfer of a 5th grade student, who recently moved into the district, to continue going to Brookland. Mr. Priest said he has always attended Brookland.

*The board approved minor changes in the handbook, one concerning outside food being delivered to the campus and school dances (excluding proms) for current Riverside students only.

*Board members approved the Statement of Assurance for the 2021-2022 school year.

Riverside School Board meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month.