Todd County schools planning for next school year

The Todd County Public School System has developed three potential calendars for the upcoming school year and how things develop with the pandemic could determine how they proceed.

Kentucky Department of Education Interim Commissioner Kevin Brown has advised districts to form multiple options for the 2020-2021 school year and Director of Pupil Personnel Jennifer Pope told the Todd County School Board Monday night that they have an approved calendar with an August 5 start date and two alternatives to start earlier and later if conditions warrant.

Todd County students completed the current school year using non-traditional instruction and Chief Information Officer Matt Laughter presented the board with options to purchase approximately 1,000 chromebook devices for students that could be used for at-home instruction or in conjunction with their regular coursework.

The devices could cost the district between 200 and 230 dollars and each student could be required to pay a fee of approximately $40, according to Laughter, who says they are hoping to use state and federal grant funds to buy the technology. It’s also possible there could be assistance for families who cannot afford internet access.

No decision was made Monday night on purchasing any chromebooks, as the district will seek additional input from incoming superintendent Mark Thomas in the coming days.

The board formally removed corporal punishment from its policies, with Pope noting they haven’t utilized the practice since at least 2013.

Interim Superintendent Camille Dillingham has named Donna Wheeler active treasurer and interviews were scheduled to begin this week to permanently fill the post.

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