The Rockdale ISD, along with every other school district in the state is awaiting guidelines on what to do about 2020 graduation.
Supt. Dr. Denise Monzingo updated trustees on the district’s plans for dealing with school being closed through the end of the 2019-20 term in a unique meeting Monday originating in the Central Administration Building.
The word is “originating” instead of “held” because the session was held in compliance with Shelter- In-Place guidelines. Only one school board member and one administrator was inside the Central Administration Building. The other six trustees and a number of administrators joined remotely.
Trustees also heard a report on recent grants award to the RISD.
MAY PLANS—G ov. Greg Abbott has closed all Texas public and private schools through the end of the term and that leaves administrators seeking guidance on how to handle commencement exercises and the numerous school functions held in May, traditionally one of the busiest months in the school calendar.
“Things are changing almost daily,” Dr. Monzingo said. “We are awaiting word from the (education) commissioner on how we should move forward.”
“We have some ideas and we are talking to our staff. “Hopefully by Friday we can work out something for distribution.”
Graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 29.
Also of concern is the annual RHS Awards Ceremony which is scheduled for Thursday, May 20.
Awards and scholarships are presented on that date.
Dr. Monzingo said the current idea is to present some kind of online video Awards/Scholarship Ceremony for students.
“We still want to give them out like that,” she said. Some items could be incorporated into the graduation ceremony.
Other campuses also hold awards ceremonies and administrators are also awaiting guidance on how to deal with those in this extraordinary spring.
May is also the month for several banquets and events, including the school year-ending Parade of Bands scheduled for May 14.
Those events will also have to be addressed.
NOT ‘OUT’—Dr. Monzingo said the district is also awaiting word on waivers to be granted by the Texas Education Association, relieving districts from some responsibilities.
She said the district’s annual evaluations were almost completed when Texas schools shut down last month.
Dr. Monzingo asked for assistance from parents who might have misinterpreted the governor’s order.
“The school buildings closed but education goes on in the Rockdale ISD,” she said. “The assignments which we have given the students are still due.”
Students will receive sixth six weeks grades, even though there won’t be any “in class” time during the period.
During the report trustees asked about pay to teachers and coached during the time school buildings are closed. She said the district is “not taking any money from any of our employees.”
GRANTS—Assistant Supt. Pam Kaufmann reported on three recent grants received.
She said RISD has received a $25,000 Safety Security Grant, a $49,522 technology grant and an $18,000 Instruction Continuity Grant.
Kaufmann said the safety grant will enhance security at all doors in the high school, with students and staff being give cards to scan enabling them to enter.
She noted other money will be used for interventions for students who might require additional help during the summer.
In other business, trustees:
• Okayed a new contract with food service provider Southwest Food Management.
• Approved Harris, Belt and Pechacek to conduct the district’s annual financial audit.
• Approved athletic supplies bids as recommended.
• Okayed instructional materials allotment and TEKS testing certification for 2020-2021.
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