Virtual Schooling will be a reality for almost one out of every five students in Fairfield ISD during the 2020-2021 school year.

The numbers of students were taken the morning of Monday, August 10, 2020, before that evening’s Fairfield ISD School Board meeting.

Additionally, twenty-five students were taken out of school to be homeschooled during the upcoming school year.

The breakdown for how many students per school is as follows:
–Fairfield Elementary – 322 in person and 73 virtual
–Fairfield Intermediate – 311 in person and 72 virtual
–Fairfield Junior High – 350 in person and 85 virtual
–Fairfield High School – 408 in person and 93 virtual

The board amended their resolution that excluded virtual students from participating in extracurricular activities to allow students to participate in the classroom portion.

In response to the need for that ruling Superintendent Dr. Jason Adams explained, “Band was the main issue for High School students because they receive fine arts credit.”

The tax rate is down about $.027 from last year’s rate.

Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Tax rate is $1.0331 and the Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate is $.1534.

Dr. Adams stated that, “This will be a year were we definitely watch those pennies a little bit more closely,“ while discussing the budget being balanced yet their need to stay aware of the challenges of the COVID-19 school year.

The board decided to work with Freestone and Navarro Counties to hold a joint election on November 3, 2020.

Operation Connectivity through Texas Education Agency (TEA) is allowing the purchase of 800 Chromebooks and 100 Wi-Fi hotspots that enables children to have an easier and better experience learning virtually.

“E” to the power of Eagle is a way to represent Fairfield ISD’s goals and visions, which are:
–Exceptional Academics
–Organizational Excellence
–Financial Efficiency
–Our Vision is – Engaging and Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

In addition, the School Board:

–Approved the TASB board policy update 115

–Approved TTESS appraisers were approved for 20-21

–Approved the TTESS calendar for 20-21

–Delegated authority to the Superintendent, Dr. Adams, to handle Chapter 49 (recapture) status

–Approved the financial auditing services of Pattillo, Brown and Hill for the 20-21 school year

–Approved adjunct faculty status and extracurricular status for 4-H

–Deputy Superintendent, Melissa Cox, had her contract renewed

School began Wednesday, August 19, 2020, both on campus and at home.