South Putnam continuing classified employee pay

Conducting its first virtual session with Google Hangouts Wednesday evening, the South Putnam School Board approved a resolution to continue pay for classified employees and full-time substitute bus drivers.

Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt specified that these employees would be paid through the end of this school year at their normal rate.

The board also approved a contract with the South Putnam Youth League allowing use of the football field at South Putnam High School for the next five years.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignation:

- Certified: Cassie Lehmann - MS/HS ag teacher (end of contract effective June 30);

• Retirement:

- Certified: Sandy Rissler - Central Elementary teacher; and

• Maternity leave:

- Certified: Brittany Pell - Fillmore Elementary Title 1 teacher (Aug. 10 - Oct. 19).

In what is his regular monthly report, Bernhardt thanked teachers and staff at South Putnam for working together to provide for students and families during this time.

“This is a situation unlike we’ve ever had before, and I want to commend everyone for pulling together and working hard to provide education for our students,” he said.

Bernhardt also highlighted the role parents play in supporting students at home and thanked them for their commitment. He added that over 1,000 meals were served to families during the week of March 30.

Responding to a mention from Board Secretary Wes Hacker about graduation, Bernhardt said administrators are working on tentative plans for the end of the school year.

“We’re working on a lot of variables right now,” he said, with these including how final grades might be worked out. The superintendent assured that parents would be notified about any developments.

Board member Larry Bottorff also gave a shout-out to teachers who have been focused on preparing lesson plans during the closures.

Wednesday’s meeting was shared live on YouTube, and Bernhardt and the board allowed anyone watching to call in with questions they might have had.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.