Montgomery Schools: COVID Cases Up Slightly

The number of COVID- 19 cases in Montgomery County schools is up slightly, Superintendent Hugh Kight said last week. Reporting to the Montgomery County School Board, which met for a regular session on January 11, Kight related that numbers are higher than before Christmas break but not the highest they have been since school began in August.

A COVID update issued Friday, January 15, revealed that 41 students were quarantined but 24 of this number returned to school on Tuesday. The update noted that six students and one staff member tested positive for the virus, but no teachers tested positive for the virus. One teacher was quarantined for exposure.

“Praise God we are still able to have school,” Kight stated in the report issued Friday. So far, the Montgomery County Schools have not paused classes because of the virus. “We will continue to use our safety protocols to help keep our students as safe as possible. Currently, our virtual student numbers are 68.”

In other business, Kight reported that the system is in the process of updating old bus cameras with new, advanced camera systems with multi views and audio. Also, rubber has been installed on the new school track and lines have been completed. Final inspection took place on January 13.

The board approved officers for 2021-2022. Dr. Jim Paul Poole will continue as board chair and Henry Price will serve as vice-chair. The board also voted to extend COVID-19 leave for employees through March 31.

Employment issues included Board approval of the resignations of Cammie Dalley, counselor at MCHS, Jonathan Hardeman, agriculture instructor, and Cindy Savant, media specialist, effective in June. The board approved the retirement of paraprofessional Ruby Woods, effective May 21, and the hiring of substitutes TaQuana Phillips, teacher, Linda Mercer, food service and Patrina Sherill Smith, food service.