Rich County School Board

  Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter                                                                                      Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  September 22, 2020.  All of the consent items, including approval of minutes and of expenditures, were approved by the Board, after which it was announced that Betty Weston has been hired as the new full-time kindergarten aide at South Rich Elementary School. 

Superintendent Dale Lambourn, Principal Kip Motta, Principal Rick Larsen, and the School Board members were extremely pleased with the professionalism that has been demonstrated by the teachers and staff members at all of the public schools in Rich County.  It was reported that the students have also been very cooperative and flexible, and the students and staff are excited to be back in school.  It was noted that the return to school has gone better than expected. 

There is an opening for a Special Education Aide at North Rich Elementary .  Anyone who is interested in the position is encouraged to apply to the Rich County School District.  The newly completed school building in Laketown was praised as being “top notch”.  

Volleyball season has begun, but Utah Valley University will not host the State Volleyball Championship this year because of COVID-19.  A new venue will be announced at a later date. 

Congress adopted the federal Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA—HR6201) in response to the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  FFCRA provides funding for free coronavirus testing and a 14 day leave for American workers who are affected by the pandemic, in addition to other benefits.  A complete list of rules, procedures and benefits for teachers and their students can be found on the Rich County School District website, richschool.org/District/. 

Jennie Johnson, the Rich County School District Business Administrator, discussed the Fraud Rich Assessment that local governments in Utah, including school districts, have been asked to complete.  Now more than ever, rapid technological advancements necessitate being proactive respecting the risks of fraud.  Consequently, the Rich County School District has implemented a Fraud Risk Management Plan, which will be monitored by Jennie Johnson and Superintendent Dale Lamborn with assistance, as needed, from the Office of the State Auditor and the School District’s independent auditor.  

It was reported that, as of September, 2020, all Rich County School District financial records are correct and up to date.  The new Fraud Risk Management Plan allows for more transparency and accountability, with a second set of eyes on every transaction.  It was noted that each member of the School Board must complete State-mandated training every four years. 

The School District will not provide supervision for any children whose parents elect online classes rather than in person schooling.  Those parents will be responsible for monitoring their own children.  Parents of students who are attending class will be required to fill out a release form before taking their children off campus during school hours.  An online monitoring exception will apply to students who, after achieving a designated grade point average (GPA), are allowed to take advanced AP classes online for college credit that is recognized by Utah State University, the University of Utah, Utah Valley University or Bridgerland Technical College.  Online AP classes will be monitored by the School District. 

The next meeting of the Rich County School Board is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 starting at 6:00 p.m.