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Salem Grade School Board hears COVID-19 update

By News Jan 22, 2021 | 8:41 AM

The Salem Grade School Board heard an update Thursday night on the number of COVID-19 cases as well as the start of a catch-up program at Franklin Park School. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says the number of staff out with COVID is down from the 11 the week school resumed following the holidays.

“We only have 4 staff out.  That is good.  We do have 129 students who are quarantined, of those kiddos 3 are positive.”

Foppe says 42 students at Hawthorn are on full remote for the second semester and 49 at Franklin Park.

With the shortage of substitutes, Foppe reported she is putting together a survey of area schools to determine what they are paying substitutes. She notes Salem Grade School has not increased the $80 per day pay in five years. Foppe will also look at an increase in the $11 an hour pay to substitute paraprofessionals and cooks. Foppe will bring the information to the February board meeting where she is hoping some adjustments can be made.

Franklin Park Assistant Principal Alex Koebele reported a catch-up program has been started for Franklin Park students who failed two or more classes in the first and second quarters. He reports 26 are currently attending the program that is held each Wednesday afternoon from two to three. Teachers and aides are assisting students with issues in the problem classes and getting homework completed.

Franklin Park Principal Tyler Lux reported two traditional programs will be held but in a way to be compliant with COVID-19 mitigations. A canned food drive is scheduled for February 22nd to March 5th. But instead of collecting can goods, monetary donations will be sought instead for the Salem Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. A Red Cross Blood Drive has been scheduled from two to six pm on February 25th in the Franklin Park Gym.

In personnel action, the board accepted with regret a letter of retirement from District Secretary Betty Purcell. She will be leaving the district after 27 years at the end of June. Danette Wolfe was hired as an eighth-grade science teacher for the coming year. Kacey Puricelli was hired as Franklin Park Secretary for the next school year. The board accepted the resignations from Nicole Cain, Angela Brubaker and Randa Walsh who were all working as paraprofessionals.