Highland Schools Return To In Person Education January 19th

Highland County School students will return to in person learning Tuesday, January 19^th, following approval of new COVID-19 health protocols at Thursday’s January School Board meeting.

Before students returned to school this fall, the Board had adopted a set of protocols that called for a two-week closure of the schools if any student, staff member, or immediate family member of either tested positive for COVID-19. Those restrictions were eased at Thursday’s meeting – now, in person learning will be stopped for the two week period only if a staff member or student who attends the school tests positive. If an immediate family member of a student is quarantined, either for a positive test or potential exposure, that student is required to stay home for the length of the quarantine as well. The Board also approved the continuation of the virtual Fridays policy through March 31^st.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Board performed it’s organizational duties for the coming year, with Kenny Hodges elected to the chair, and Joe Neil remaining Vice-Chair. Other action items included:

• Approval of personnel, as discussed in closed session.
• Approval of the standard step increase for teachers, which would be reflected in next year’s budget.
• Approval of an increase in administrative salaries, not counting the superintendent, also to be reflected in next year’s budget.
• Approved an increase for substitute bus drivers to $50 per trip, effective immediately.
• And approved an increase in substitute teacher pay to $100 per day for substitutes without a degree, $115 per day for substitutes with a degree, and $11 per hour for all other personnel, also to take effect immediately.

The Board’s next meeting will be Monday, February 7^th, at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria.