Virtual School in Fairfield ISD, and whether or not it should be allowed to continue next semester, was one of the main topics at the Fairfield ISD School Board meeting on Monday, November 9, 2020.
The rate at which High School and Junior High kids using virtual schooling are not succeeding is as high as 60% to 70%. Some students are struggling, others are not doing all their assignments, and there are some who are not even bothering to do their daily attendance.
An important note is that this only applies to Virtual Schooling, children who have their entire education at home via the internet.
On the other hand, Remote Schooling, which is students who have COVID-19 or were potentially exposed to the virus, will continue as long as necessary.
One other thing the school is aware of is that some students have health issues that will prevent them from returning until the pandemic is over, and do plan to adapt things for these students.
In addition, the ability to use Virtual Schooling will be kept in case there is a spike in COVID-19 cases and the school is required to physically close once again.
Fairfield ISD will monitor the situation closely and do what they feel is in the best interest of the student body on all campuses.
In other news, Teacher incentives are part of a new program in Texas that is a portion of HB3, and these monetary incentives are as Superintendent Dr. Jason Adams puts it, “Substantial in size.”
Teachers have the ability to become Recognized, Exemplary, or a Master (not to be confused with a Master’s Degree) in education.
Each level has a different amount of money their salary can be increased each year:
–Recognized teachers could make approximately $6,500 more annually.
–Exemplary ranking can bring in an additional $13,000 a year.
–Master educators can make around $23,000 each year.
Regardless of where and how a teacher qualifies, they will carry that with them. For example, if a teacher qualifies while teaching History in the eleventh grade, but then change to Spanish in the ninth grade, they keep their qualification.
The state will reimburse the school these monies as well, so it makes for a wonderful way for teachers to increase their paychecks.
Another area of interest during the November meeting was a public comment from Fairfield Senior Erica McQuinn, who was upset that her emails regarding last school year’s soccer presentation were not answered by the two sitting and newly elected board members.
She had gotten the emails off the school’s website to contact the two gentlemen, and felt that when students email a board member, they should respond.
McQuinn stated, “John Fryer and Kevin Benedict, being a school board member may be a volunteer position, but when a student emails you, please give them the time of day by providing them with a reply.”
The two board members did apologize and explained that the email addresses listed on the school website are not the email addresses they use.
Dr. Adams said that, “We are trying to forward their emails,” when asked what was being done going forward to allow for contact from citizens and students.
Other items discussed at the meeting were:
–Veteran’s Lunch was held on Veteran’s Day
–Thanksgiving Break
–Summer Feeding waiver was passed, allowing the school to not have to offer meals due to lack of use.
–The FISD Early Resignation Notice Incentive was discussed and passed.
–English as a Second Language (ESL) report was discussed, while there is no rating due to National Disaster the school is in a good place.
