Area 30 masking, not quarantining

Area 30 Career Center’s interlocal board of directors approved two items regarding COVID-19 and general safety during its regular meeting Tuesday morning.

Approved as recommendations by Executive Director Lora Busch, Area 30 will continue to require students and staff to be masked. However, students who have been identified as close contacts will not be required to quarantine.

Busch emphasized that these guidelines will be re-evaluated on Thursday, Sept. 30.

The board also approved Area 30’s safety plan. Assistant Director Chad Nunley noted that the plan had been updated and reflects Putnam County Safe Schools’ recommendations.

In other business:

• Busch reported that Area 30’s student services office was conducting its additional pupil count with its sending schools. She noted the count had to be completed by Friday, as this is when average daily membership will be determined statewide.

The board also approved the following personnel items:

• Josh Bonebrake was approved to replace Ruben Hinners as Area 30’s IT director. As such, hours for Braden Bottorff, who was hired last month as Area 30’s technology assistant, will be reduced with Bonebrake’s hiring.

• Patricia Siepes was approved as a part-time cafeteria worker. It was noted that this is a replacement position.

• Wendell Barrett was approved as a part-time evening custodian. It was noted that this is a replacement position.

• The board approved the resignation of Ethan Baker as a part-time maintenance worker effective Friday, Aug. 27. It was noted that Baker was a temporary hire at the beginning of the summer.

• The board approved the resignation of Courtney Shadwick as a part-time custodian and part-time cafeteria worker effective Friday, Sept. 24.

North Putnam Superintendent Nicole Allee and Greencastle Superintendent Jeff Gibboney were not present. Meanwhile, joining Busch, Nunley and the rest of the board was Treasurer Cindy Burnham.

The next regular meeting of the Area 30 Board is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Old National Trail boardroom.