Joining lawsuit

Purcell Public Schools will join a lawsuit filed by more than 100 districts against the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

At issue is that board’s recent decision to withhold funding from the districts and redirect those monies to follow students who enrolled in virtual schools during the pandemic.

That action has dealt the districts a serious financial blow, according to Purcell superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo.

In other comments to the board at Monday’s meeting, McAdoo said the district is working on a tiered approach to “offer something to all out kids” once school lets out next month.

“It’s a challenge throughout the summer,” she said.

Tier 1 will include ACT test preparation opportunities and “fun ways to engage students.”

The emphasis for students in Tiers 2 and 3 will be in-person instruction and “extensive support” in the areas of reading and math.

Options being considered include both on site and virtual classes.

McAdoo said about 40 staff members are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19. The district’s overall vaccination rate is approaching 70 percent.

Once an individual is fully vaccinated, there is no longer a need to quarantine when exposed to someone with the virus.

The district will continue to follow CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health recommendations to continue wearing masks.

Social distancing has been dropped to three feet for students in the classroom.

It remains at 6 feet between adults or adults and students.

The district is now cleared to remove clear dividers.

The board appointed Tracy Folsom as their  representative to enter negotiations with the Purcell Association of Classroom Teachers for the 2021-22 school year.

They also approved a resolution for schools and libraries universal services for 2021-22.