Cloverdale board approves last day, tech warranty program

Thursday, April 16, 2020
Board President Vivian Whitaker and Superintendent Greg Linton begin the Cloverdale School Board’s virtual meeting Monday evening.
Banner Graphic/Brand Selvia

CLOVERDALE -- Meeting through Google Hangouts Monday evening, the Cloverdale School Board approved a pair of requests to keep the school corporation moving forward.

Superintendent Greg Linton said that Friday, May 15 would be identified as the last day for students. He added that teachers would work under their contract until Friday, May 22.

Linton also said that Tuesdays and Thursdays would be waiver days granted by the state to meet the mandated minimum 160 school days.

The point in this, Linton stated, was to keep students engaged in their education as long as possible, noting that some school systems’ last days would be around May 8. As such, he added that Cloverdale’s principals are meeting weekly with staff on how best to do this.

The board unanimously approved the adjustment.

Board members also considered an agreement with Trinity3 Technology regarding a warranty program for Cloverdale’s one-to-one initiative, which is planned for next year.

Linton said the program would prevent the corporation from requiring a separate technician to service devices.

He said the cost per student for insurance on the device would be $20. He added that 10-15 loaner devices would be on hand within the corporation should any be unintentionally damaged.

Linton said the cost to the school corporation, over a four-year period, would be $152,660. However, the initial contract would come out of the rainy day fund. Regardless, having the warranty would save $20,000 to $30,000 compared to having the technician.

The board unanimously approved the warranty program, which will work in conjunction with Five-Star Technology Solutions.

In other business, the board declared technology items which are no longer needed as surplus. It also approved a computer science grant from the Mary Allison Children’s Fund.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations: Jeff Underwood - director of physical operations; and Sam Jones - seventh-grade social studies teacher;

• Employment: Mary Mann - substitute teacher for Jones (through the end of the school year);

• Reassignment: Salem Creceluis - middle school cafeteria, from a three-hour position to 5.5-hour position.

Addressing a question about whether Underwood would be replaced, Linton said moving him to a contract basis was being considered. He would take care of the HVAC systems and more technical work such as repairing compressors and chiller motors.

The superintendent added that candidates for the position had been considered, and that one of them could be hired to handle general issues.

Linton stated he would be in contact with Underwood regarding this prospect going forward.

In his normal monthly report, Linton said the school corporation is looking to accommodate students who are set to take AP exams soon, but do not have internet access and devices. He added that requests would be funneled through Curriculum Director Cathy Ames.

Board member Duane Huge also posed a question about high school graduation to Principal Sonny Stoltz, who listened in on the meeting. He specifically asked if any seniors were in jeopardy.

Stoltz said the focus was on “dragging them to the finish line,” but knew of no seniors who will not walk if they were on track prior to Cloverdale closing its schools.

Linton, Board President Vivian Whitaker and other board members praised staff members who have assisted with helping ensure that students have internet so they can do schoolwork, as well as providing meals.

The next regular meeting of the Cloverdale School Board is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

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