School opens Wednesday
Summer vacation is officially over next Wednesday, Aug. 18.
That’s when students will return to Perkins County schools for the 2021-22 school year.
Back-to-school night was held for the high school students this week with the K-6 open house planned for this Monday from 6-7 p.m.
Superintendent Phillip Picquet said teachers took part in an ESU 16 professional development seminar in Sutherland Monday, followed by teacher meetings here Tuesday.
They will have two more professional development sessions Monday and Tuesday before welcoming students back Wednesday.
Despite his efforts, Picquet said they go into the year still short two positions—a music teacher and a guidance counselor.
The school has been advertising the two positions since last spring—along with a lot of other schools looking for the same positions.
He told the board last month that he had a late application for the counseling position. However, it was late in the hiring process and it looked doubtful the applicant could get released from their contract with another school.
Picquet said it’s not an ideal situation to be short those two positions, but noted people on the staff have stepped forward to help fill the gaps.
They are already addressing ways to work around the situation with existing staff.
There are some para-educators with training in specific areas that will be able to contribute as well, he said,
Budget preparations
Picquet said work continues on preparing the budget that will be approved in September.
The school will receive $327,000 in federal COVID-19 relief but the funds carry specific rules on what the money can be spent on.
To meet the requirements of this funding, PCS must publish a plan for a safe return to school in the event of a future COVID outbreak.
There is a survey on the school’s website seeking input and feedback from patrons on the re-opening plan and suggestions for how this new round of funding should be spent.
The district has already received $182,000 in COVID aid, which was spent on technology to address online learning conditions.
Picquet said additional investment in technology needs is one of the options for the federal funds.
Use of federal funds could help offset taxpayer funds that would normally be used for these items. The board will review a draft of the budget at Monday’s regular meeting.