The idea of moving the fourth grade at Ellsworth Elementary School to Kanopolis Middle School could, perhaps, soon gain some traction.

“We will continue to look at that — the pros and cons — and come up with some options and plans that would be available if we were to choose to move the fourth grade over to KMS,” Superintendent Joshua Lanning said at Monday’s meeting o the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 board of education.

Lanning said he is looking at a decision to be made on that idea in January.

He said there are two basic reasons for the move. First, the lack of physical space at EES.

“We have run out of room,” Lanning said. “Moving the fourth grade over would open three classrooms for meetings and workspace.”

He also said this would also help fourth, fifth and sixth grade teachers align more closely for professional development.

There are obstacles, however, to the move. Two of the most important are transportation and technology. Lanning said an additional bus driver would need to be hired since about 100 students would be transferring to KMS from EES. A full-time counselor, additional food prep employees and additional teachers would also have to be hired.

Lanning said the problem with investing in the needed technology is not one of affordability, since that would be paid for using federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ) funds, but one of actually getting the technology in the classrooms due to shipping delays.

In other business:

• Approval was given to purchase new tools for the Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School industrial arts program at a cost of $7,555.15. In addition, approval was given to purchase 12 new sewing machines for $4,188 to replace 30-yearold models. Both will be paid for using PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) funds the district receives annually from the local wind farms.

• Jerry Marsh of Ellsworth urged the board to reconsider making face masks mandatory in certain situations. A similar motion at a previous board meeting died for the lack of a second.

“At issue are practices important to the health and well being of students, staff and the community,” Marsh said.

He said people gathering in groups for the upcoming holidays are well-known for a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths.

“It is irresponsible to ignore that reality,” Marsh said. “COVID surges are taking place worldwide. It’s a mistake to believe that a major surge cannot happen here in Ellsworth County.”

Marsh said at the very least, the patrons of USD 327 deserve a second to board member David Hand’s motion and a recorded vote.

Marsh said he would like to see Hand make his motion again. No action was taken on Marsh’s request.

• Approval was given to a $160.35 gift from Cats’ Pride to offset the cost of volleyball equipment previously purchased by the district.

• The district will look at other teacher/principal evaluation tools for the future after Lanning said the cost of the McRel evaluation tool increased from $1,700 per year to $5,950 per year. The district is required to use McRel for the next year, however, because of the negotiated teachers agreement.

• The board approved Bill Weston and Jana Arensman as transportation drivers and Kelly Clark as assistant musical director during a 10 minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel (employment). The resignation notice from Chantelle Smith as assistant track coach was also approved.