Submitted photo Nicole Ruf of the auditing firm Drescher and Malecki reported the results of an external audit to Ripley Central School District board of education members.

RIPLEY — Ripley Central School Board of Education members approved an “across the board” raise in substitute teacher pay rates at their meeting on October 21.

District Superintendent William Caldwell asked board members to raise substitute pay rates because, compared to other districts in the area, “we were dropping down to the middle of the list.”

Caldwell noted that substitute teachers are difficult to find and it is important to remain on par with other districts.

“Substitutes are a gold commodity,” he said. “We have had plenty of sub shortage days. We have often had to ask teacher assistants to fill in which takes them away from what they are supposed to be doing.”

The rate for certified substitute teachers was raised from $100 to $125; the rate for uncertified substitutes increased from $85 to $100; retired teachers who serve as substitutes will see an increase from $125 to $140.

“This will put us closer to the top,” Caldwell said.

In another matter, Caldwell told board members that the district has started pool testing for COVID-19. He explained that pool testing is being offered by the Chautauqua County Health Department as a quicker way of testing unvaccinated staff members for COVID.

In the process, 12 samples are tested at the same time with the hope that all are clear, Caldwell said. If it is a COVID positive pool, the same cheek swabs that were used in the pool test will be individually tested, he added.

Because Ripley is so small and most of the staff is vaccinated, Caldwell said he has asked that the health department test six swabs in one pool and six in another. At this point, the testing is just for unvaccinated staff, Caldwell said. However, they may look at testing students in this manner in the future, he said.

In other business, school principal Micah Oldham reported on Emergency Drill Day at Ripley. Students completed: a fire drill, a lock-down practice, a school bus safety course, as well as a go home early drill, he told the board.

“That was a really interesting day,” he said. “A big thank you to all of the hands that help create a safe environment for our scholars to learn and thrive!”

Oldham also updated the board on the students’ adventures, which in line with EL Education, encourage students to move out of their comfort zone.

Oldham reported on the science curriculum, noting that “overall, it’s been a really big hit.” He said the kindergarten students started their new science unit and are creating a “Garbage Garden.” They will be observing what happens to garbage and food from their lunches after being buried in soil, he said.

“This is part of their study of human impact on the environment,” he added.

Oldham said that students in Mrs. Bodenmiller’s fourth grade class presented their final animal research projects to their classmates. Each scholar described their animal, the threats to its survival, and how it is equipped to deal with them.

“Everyone did a great job,” he said.

The Ripley Public Library which celebrated its grand reopening on September 18, has offered to purchase pre-lit Christmas trees for the students to decorate. Oldham said that each class would have the opportunity to see the newly renovated library, while having the chance to decorate a Christmas tree.

Oldham also told board members that October 22 is staff development day and it was anticipated to be an action packed day with the focus on strengthening different parts of the curriculum.

In new business, board president Paul McCutcheon asked for approval of the 2021-2022 Capital Outlay Project Resolution. This is the $100,000 project which the district completes each year. He also asked the board to approve the Capital Improvement Project, 2021 Resolution and the publication of the legal notice for the Capital Improvement Project, 2021. Board members approved the resolutions and the legal notice publication.

The board also listened to a presentation on an independent audit by Nicole Ruf of Drescher and Malecki Auditing firm. The district receive an “unmodified” opinion which is the highest rating that can be given.

After an executive session, board members voted to hire Brittany Fardink as a response to intervention teacher. This is a newly created position to help students close learning gaps due to the pandemic.

“We have a lot to make up for,” Caldwell said. “Our gaps were a little higher than we anticipated.”

Caldwell also noted that the funds to hire the new teacher will come from money which school districts are receiving through the American Pandemic Rescue Plan is largely intended to address learning loss caused by the COVID.