As the world moves more into virtual and online ways to conduct business, the Paragould School District is stepping up its own efforts to prepare its students for that world.

At last week’s meeting the Paragould School Board approved the purchase of 62 iMac computers from Apple Computers for two computer laboratories at the high school at a cost of $88,598.

The iMacs, as computers (as opposed to tablets, ChromeBooks or laptops) were not to facilitate remote instruction of students from home.

“We are already set up for one-to-one should we have to go virtual,” Paragould Schools Superintendent Debbie Smith said. “These computers are for advanced classes like computer science.”

Along those lines, Smith said the district’s Strategic Plan includes using technology to implement on-site and virtual learning. It also includes the provision of quality professional development specific to the needs of the individual teacher.

Smith also said Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has authorized $20 million for the state of Arkansas to pay for emergency leave for school employees impacted by COVID-19.

“So in Arkansas we have both the state COVID funds and the FFCRA (the Families First Coronavirus Response Act),” she said. “To be eligible for paid leave under FFCRA, you are a caregiver for a family member. At the state level, you are eligible if you have a positive test, if you experience the symptoms [of COVID] or if you’ve had probable close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.”

The money will pay for up to 10 school days of leave, the amount of time required for a COVID-19-related quarantine.

Smith also noted progress in the construction by Ramsons Construction of the new Agri, Junior ROTC and Band buildings behind the high school.

“It’s going well,” she said. “The roofs are on the Agri and Junior ROTC buildings, and the brickwork is underway.”

Smith added the steel frames for the Band building are also going up. She said the estimated completion date for the entire project is May 2021.

The district is also developing its Minority Recruitment Plan.

“It is essential for the Paragould School District to develop a strategic diversity plan,” she said. “Our district mission statement states that we aspire to welcome all students into a safe, caring, and exciting educational environment.”

The district also undertook the following personnel actions:

Resignations

Eric Rudi, from bus mechanic, effective Aug. 14

Tosha Davis, from food service worker, effective Sept. 1

Tiffinay Beasley, from Oak Grove Elementary secretary, effective Sept. 18

Charmaine Burnett, from preschool paraprofessional, effective Sept. 3.

Employment

Andrea Oldman, as Oak Grove Middle School teacher, effective July 1, conditioned on receiving a valid Arkansas teaching license in all four core subject areas by Dec, 31, or the contract can be terminated at district option.

Micka Hatley, as Oak Grove Middle School teacher, effective Sept. 15, conditioned on receiving a provisional Arkansas teaching license by Oct. 1, or the contract can be terminated at district option.

Nicole Siebert and Rhonda Morris as food service workers, effective Sept. 15

Chuck Hayes, Christopher Scorfina and Samuel Martin, as school custodians/ building and grounds workers for the Ram Academy, the junior high and the primary school, respectively, effective Sept. 15

Sherry Jones, as site director of the School of the 21st Century, effective Sept. 15

Katie Mitchell, as special education paraprofessional, effective Sept. 15.