During the regular meeting of The New Franklin Board of Education on September 15, Superintendent Brian Cordel reported that the impact of the COVID-19 virus on enrollment for the fall semester has been low so far. 

“We’ve had very few students that have had COVID,” Cordel told the board, adding that to their knowledge, students who have been compelled to quarantine were exposed to the virus outside of the school. 

“It’s just been a handful that had to go home, and no staff as of now, have had to quarantine from COVID either,” he concluded. 

Given this report, in response to the question from elementary Principal Dawn Shipp about how to proceed with upcoming field trips, class parties, and activities, the board did not vote to make any significant changes to policy at this time, keeping things as “close to normal” as they can, for now. They will revisit policy at their October meeting as needed. 

The board discussed the possible repair or replacement of its elevator, which is currently out of commission. After some discussion, they agreed to seek bids from multiple companies as far away as Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield and will table any decision until they have more information at next month’s meeting.

The New Franklin Board of Education meets regularly on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Meetings are open and the public is invited.