Sisters School District highlights

The Sisters School Board met for the first time in 2021 on Wednesday, January 6 via Zoom.

• Superintendent Curt Scholl thanked the teachers and support staff for continuing to have a common focus and working together for the sake of Sisters’ students.

• Early indications show little increase in enrollment, but housing projects continue to boom in the area, so an enrollment increase is strongly anticipated. Scholl reported that with the expected growth for next year, the elementary school may need to install one or two portables to accommodate students.

• Scholl reported that the elementary school conducted the first week back from the holiday break in distance learning, but returned to the hybrid model January 11, which they have been in for most of the school year. Fifth and sixth grades at Sisters Middle School and ninth and 10th grades at Sisters High School will start in the hybrid model January 25, followed by seventh and eighth along with 11th and 12th on February 1. In both schools students will attend classes on two days and have Comprehensive Distance Learning on the other days.

• Board member David Thorsett asked if there would be a chance that schools would open more fully during this school year. Scholl explained that, while it is possible, many factors are at play including whether staff will be vaccinated, how community spread of the virus is trending, how to manage physical space, etc.

• Director Jay Wilkins reminded the board that his position, along with those held by David Thorsett and Edie Jones, will be open as of May 31, and that he will not seek re-election.

• A Political Action Committee (PAC) is being formed to aid in the passage of rolling over the school bond the district has been operating with. Wilkins volunteered as one of two board members who can serve as board liaisons.

• The board acknowledged the dedication and contributions to the district by Kristy Rawls and Michele Hammer, who are retiring.

• The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, at 6 p.m. and will likely be conducted via Zoom.