The Magee Courier from Magee, Mississippi • A1

BY DONNA McLEAN STAFF WRITER With only 20 days to go before the opening of the fall semester, the Simpson County School Board has finally been handed a plan to consider for the reopening of school. The plan also requires starting school four days later than originally announced, on Monday, August 10, rather than Thurday, August 6. The board met Monday, July 20, with some members attending by Zoom Meetings to get their first look at a proposed plan outlining the procedures that will govern school staffs and administrations in gathering students back to the classroom for the first time since early March. All county schools closed the week of spring break, then did not reopen the rest of the year due to fears of coro- navirus infecting students and staff. Dr.

Sanders of the State Department of Education led special meeting to review the plan. Board President Danny Cowart told the board that he had talked with the School Board Association attorney, who said that the board was required to approve the plan before it could be implemented. He reminded members that it was the job of the administration, the district superintendent, to come up with a plan and the job to approve it. ultimate responsibility for implementation is on the Cowart said, the responsibility for outcomes is on us, the He added, plan seems to be in line with what other districts across the state are He also advised board members to take heed of information about COVID-19 coming out of the State Health Department. He said that of all the cases across the state, 4300 people in the 18- and-under age group had contracted the disease, some in very mild forms.

No deaths were reported in the age group. have zero deaths in the he said, cautioning the board not to be so fearful that they made unwise decisions. is an unprecedented he said, we must put children at the very center of what In past discussions, the board had considered three models for opening BY MARLAN JONES NEWS EDITOR The mid-month Simpson County Board of Supervisors meeting was held on July 15 in the Simpson County courtroom to allow social distancing. Road Manager Ben Warren addressed the board first, and asked that they bear with him and his crew as they continue to work through the heat. Warren said the daily 100 plus degree heat index has made working outside difficult, but they are continuing to finish projects.

Emergency Management Coordinator John Kilpatrick asked that the board consider a change in policy for employees who have been exposed to COVID-19. The policy called for those exposed to someone who has tested positive for the dis- ease to be sent home for 14 days or until the results of a COVID-19 test return as negative. Kilpatrick stated that everyone will be exposed to COVID-19 at some point, and if the county continues to send people home for being exposed then they ran the risk of running out of staff. He explained that waiting for test results could take anywhere from 7-14 days, because many of the testing facilities are running behind. The Tax office was referenced as an example of being short staffed after responding to a COVID-19 outbreak.

He suggested that the policy be changed to allow those exposed to come to work but wear a mask. Kilpatrick said they should be allowed to work until the results of a test are returned or until they begin to show symptoms. District 2 Supervisor Danny Craft made a motion to change the policy and also added that if an employee shows symptoms they should be sent home and if exposed they would have to adhere to mandatory temperature checks each morning. The board unanimously agreed to change the policy. District 1 Supervisor Mitchell Chatman stated that Simpson County is becoming a hot spot and made a motion that everyone wear mask inside county offices.

He said the public should be required to wear masks when entering county buildings for their safety and for the safety of employees. The motion failed for lack of a second. Steve Womack with Maintenance Inc. was unable to attend the meeting. The Simpson County Department will be applying for several grant opportunities.

The department was approved to apply for a 20201 MS Leadership Council of Aging grant in the amount of $1,200 dollars. They were also approved to apply for 2020 Homeland Security Funding opportunities. The department will apply for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Allocation in the amount of $10,000. These funds can be used for cleaning supplies, personnel protective equipment, and any other public safety needs concerning COVID-19. Devon Thurman was approved to attend the Simpson County Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in the Tax Office to Be Closed for Two Weeks The Simpson County Tax Office is closed for the next week due to COVID-19 exposure.

Those needing to do business with that office may do so by mail or by phone at 601-847-1744. Fees may be paid by debit card. Magee Farmers Market Open, July 18 A farmers market will be held in the parking lot of the Magee Community House on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon selling farm products and other local goods. For vendor applicationos and information, visit Magee City Hall or go to www.cityofmagee.com Register for School, Lunch Program Online Student registration for School Year 2020-2021 in the Simpson County School District is now open.

Parents can register students online by going to the district web- site, simpson.k12.ms.us Forms are available for the free and reduced lunch program and should be completed as soon as possible. A form to registration students for virtual attendance at school this year is also available on the site. These forms are due by Friday, July 31. Magee Library Now Open to Patrons The Magee Public Library is now open to patrons from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday Friday. No more than 11 pa- trons may be in the library at one time, and they must wear a mask and observe social distancing.

Call the library for information or services available, 601-8493747. Republican Women Plan to Meet August 6 The Republican Women of Simpson County will resume meetings on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. in the E911 Building in Mendenhall. in Paycheck Protection Program loans.

For i On Thursday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m., 4 On Friday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m., 7 on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Boswell A Tickets are available at the The deadline to enter is Feb.

11. For a MemberFDIC Peoples Bank Saturday, Jan. 13, at Former Simpson pro- School board devises plan to start classes Board hears COVID issues SMNJUQTJOPSN See School Plan, 3 See BOS, 3 NFL Official plays in Country Club Tourney! Sarah Thomas, the first female referee, played at the Simpson County Country Club for the tournament last weekend. Thomas is the spokesperson for KareInHome Hospice. She visited with Matt Mangum during the tournament..