During the Marshall School Board meeting this week, board member Bryon Jacques reported on the Returning to Learning meetings held this month.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, on November 10, some of the items discussed were going to the red level; teachers working 20 hours at school and 20 hours offsite; the number of COVID-19 cases; and the number of patients at the hospital.

At the November 19 meeting, Jacques said the committee discussed Governor Mike Parson’s recommendations versus the CDC’s recommendations; nurses doing contact tracing; and students wearing face shields/masks. The next meeting of the committee will be on December 9.

In other news from the board meeting, it was reported 202 staff members returned a survey that was sent out regarding the Governor’s COVID-19 recommendations, and 64 percent of the results did not favor his recommendations.

Board member Ellen Lance gave an update on the track and turf project. She said at this time, the committee does not think it will be able to raise the $1.1 million needed to do this project. A bid had been received from MidAmerica Sports Construction for $74,123 to repair the field. The field also is in need of a new irrigation system, which will be around $26,500. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Terry Lorenz said he will be in contact with the company to see if its bid is still good. A pickup truck traveled through an outer chainlink fence to the field and tore up the grass turf by spinning its tires, making deep ruts in the end zone in late July. The fence has been repaired. MHS played its football games this season on Gregg-Mitchell Field at Missouri Valley College.

It also was announced filing for the April 6, 2021, board election will begin at 8 a.m. on December 15 and end at 5 p.m. on January 19, 2021. There are two three-year terms available, which are seats currently held by Jacques and Dr. Erin Meyer.