FCSBoard considers monthly incentive for vaccinated staff
Members hear plan to offer childcare at ABC School for district personnel
The Forrest City School District is trying to put incentives in place to reward teachers for taking the Covid vaccination.
During Thursday’s board meeting, superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick told board members that the state had offered a $200 incentive to state government employees in an effort to get more vaccinated.
Hardrick told the board she received templates for school districts to use to utilize ESSER funds to possibly offer incentives to school staff as well.
"The school board must approve the written additional pay plan," Hardrick explained. "Cases are increasing here and schools have limited options for virtual learning this time around. The expectation is that the kids will be in the classroom, but we want our kids to be safe in our classrooms."
Hardrick further explained that the district paid $100,000 in Covid emergency claim reimbursements last year in the district.
"That was 966 days of absence due to Covid-related issues in the district," said Hardrick. "I stress those numbers because I think we should do something in compensation for staff who choose to share they've been vaccinated."
"Children under the age of 12 don't have the option to be vaccinated, and I think it is important to protect those children," Hardrick said.
She also told the board she had spoken with Gov. Asa Hutchinson during his recent stop in Forrest City, asking if $200 had been the amount approved or if the district could change the amount. She said she learned the board could make the choice as to what a reasonable offer would be for the staff.
"I do not think a one-time payment of $200 is enough to move the needle for the amount," said Hardrick.
"I agree, $200 is not enough," said board member Joey Astin. "Where is the funding going to fall?"
Hardrick said the district had $26 million in ESSER funding.
She told the board that after running numbers on a $200 a month payment, the total for every staff member to be vaccinated would be around $1.5 million. "We want to really encourage people to get vaccinated," she said.
Hardrick said the plan would be that if a teacher made the choice to get vaccinated in January, that teacher would get the $200 monthly payment starting in January.
Board president Sandra Taylor asked if Hardrick wanted to have conversations with staff before moving forward.
Hardrick said she did not want to talk to staff, but also wants to have something in place by Sept. 1.
"We want to start having these public conversations, however, so people can begin thinking about getting vaccinated over the next month," said Hardrick. "I want the board's perspective on what is reasonable, then start the process on the incentives with a resolution.” She shared a template for the resolution received from the state.
The board decided to move forward with the process.
Board member Annie Norman asked if mask wearing would be continued at schools.
"I believe people have the right to choose if they want to be vaccinated or not. So when you enter a space like Central's office and you are an adult and have chosen to be vaccinated or not being vaccinated in that space, that is an adult decision," said Hardrick. “However, I feel that the rule changes where children are involved. I believe particularly in our elementary schools where our children don't have that option under a certain age, they have no choice."
Hardrick said due to children being in positions of not knowing who is or is not carrying the virus, adults should be required to wear a mask around them.
"There is simply so much we don't know, and I don't think we should risk our children. My position will be if you are in schools, you should wear a mask," said Hardrick.
Hardrick also told the board that she is in the process of using ESSER funds to establish programs in the district to help meet mental health needs of the students and staff.
"We want to bring staff and people in to allow small group support, individual support and real time support for children in crisis," said Hardrick.
Hardrick said the programs she is seeking would not interfere with Medicare programs parents use for their children due to Medicare not being billed and programs being paid for with ESSER funds.
(Continued from Page 1) "Ideally, we want it to begin when school starts, but hopefully, we will have something in place by October 1," said Hardrick.
Hardrick also told the board the district is working on doing things for staff as well and that a health and wellness space had been identified for a health center with a $30,000 grant from Boar's Head.
“We are looking to unveil the Forrest City School District, sponsored by Boar's Head, center in the next couple of weeks," said Hardrick. "Nate Thomas will be helping and we are hoping to establish some health leagues."
Hardrick said another item the district is looking to do for staff is securing eight spots in the ABC school for staff with infants and toddlers.
"We want to take the stress of childcare off our staff," said Hardrick.
Additional seats and spots were made possible with a grant application and will be on a firstcome, first-serve basis for teachers with children and infants. If there are not enough parents, spots will be then offered to grandparents.
In other business, the board approved several other items including a request for supplies, materials, services and equipment from Davis Playground in the amount of $47,080.03 for work at the ABC Preschool; a curriculum program called i-Ready Classroom in the amount of $45,440; a curriculum program called Renaissance for $54,370.62 and a food and supplies bid from Ben E. Keith Foods in the amount of $539,052.60.
The board also approved a fourth addendum for Keith Sanders individually, formerly called Keith Sanders Group, Inc., and Marcus Nelson.
"These are the same things we do each year," said Hardrick of the contracts.
The district also reentered a contract with SugarDitch Communications for a monthly retainer in the amount of $4,180.
Hardrick told the board due to changes of duties, they recommended a new contract instead of renewal of the old contract.
Norman asked if they would continue to be involved with the journalism classes, to which Hardrick responded yes if students sign up.
"But, she will definitely be involved in Mustang 17," said Hardrick.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 5:30 p.m., due to more hires needing to be approved before school begins.