During the meeting of the Marshall School Board on Tuesday, December 15, the board heard an update from eighth-grade athletic director at Bueker Middle School Travis Reid regarding the Returning to Learning (R2L) Committee meeting on Monday, December 14.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, discussion was held on Governor Mike Parson’s and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s recommendations compared to the CDC’s recommendations. The MPS faculty and staff were surveyed, and 67 percent of them did not support the Governor’s recommendations. The committee agreed the CDC recommendations will be used as the guidelines for the district.

Phase 4 of the district’s R2L Plan was discussed including: outside groups using facilities; small group instruction for students needing extra help; allowing activities and athletics in small groups; and a new formula to calculate numbers by Director of Data Analysis Jim Papreck and Reid.

In her report, Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher said students will return to school in Phase 3 on Monday, January 4. Grades K-8 will be in-seat Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. MHS will continue its A/B schedule. All grades will be distance learning on Wednesday.

Certified staff members will be at school five days a week; and classified employees will have their regular hours.

Dr. Maher also reported that to date the district has received $661,520 in CARES Act funding; and $811,583 from federal funds. Dr. Maher also has requested an additional $378,444, and the district has paid right at $40,000 for sick days due to COVID-19.