The University Interscholastic League has approved student athletes returning to campus for summer workouts. It is great to see students back on campus again! Once again, COVID-19 is on everyone’s radar as Texas’ case counts are on the rise. School districts must remain focused on this Public Health Crisis first and foremost. The link to the Texas Health and Human Services coronavirus update page is: <https://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates. shtm#coronaviris>. Please look at the information on this webpage. According to the webpage, there are a few simple routines that will help mitigate the spread COVID-19. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Governor’s most recent Declaration says: The next two weeks are critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Texans must act now.
• Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick, older, and/or have a medical condition.
• If you are sick, stay home except to access medical care. If you are able to take care of yourself, stay home. If you need to see your doctor, call ahead.
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and non-essential trips into public.
• Cancel events of more than 10 people.
• Limit close contact (at least six feet) with other people. Employers should allow alternative work options as much as possible.
During summer months, the ‘educational work’ of a school district continues. The daily happenings and management of a school district is the responsibility of the superintendent. The job of the Richland Springs ISD school board is to simply supply the “what.” What do we want to do as a district? This board knows exactly what we want for our district. One hundred percent of our board of trustees received professional development training in June. Our seven board members, Jason Lewis, Sally Gossett, Tana Lusty, Rennie Mann, Grant Appleton, Steven Tharp, Nick Taylor along with Superintendant Don Fowler, logged in 56 hours of professional development training this June.
We want to make Richland Springs ISD a premier district, a district of distinction and a destination district, meaning that families want to move here because of our schools. This includes a strong focus on academics as well as athletics and extracurricular activities. Excellence also includes maintaining and improving district facilities.
We have a lot of work to do to get there, but we are well on our way and headed in the right direction. The job of the administration is to supply the “how.” The result is a leaner team with employees loaded with talent. We continually work to improve our facilities. Parent and community input remain important to our success. Board members are always happy to communicate with the public. We have a special “Parent/Public Comment Session” for that purpose at the beginning of every monthly regular board meeting. Board members often bump into folks in town and visit about our district.
Richland Springs has outstanding administration, teachers, staff, coaches and great kids. We will become that district we are all looking for. Thanks for all the input. Be a part of the solution. We are Coyote Nation. If you see a teacher in public, tell them how much you appreciate their efforts. We have a great community, students, teachers and staff.
Community involvement is the key to our success!
Have a safe and enjoyable July 4th!