The Triton School Board and administrators are taking a proactive stance in terms of safety for staff and students as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic. During the March 10 meeting of the school board, Superintendent Jeremy Riffle said, “We are being proactive, not inciting a panic.” He added. “We continue to communicate with local and state officials as it relates to the concerns of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We continue to monitor this situation and how it is affecting other corporations. We began communicating to parents on February 28 and again on March 5 with helpful tips and suggestions for keeping our loved ones safe.”
Three trips planned for over the spring break could be cancelled as parents/guardians , tour companies and school staff continue to monitor health related reports and make joint decisions. Trips were approved in earlier board sessions to Greece and Chicago for high school art students and a trip to Washington D.C. for the senior trip.
Riffle said they have distributed disinfectant wipes to all teachers. Riffle also explained that an Active Pure air filtration system was installed some ten years ago throughout the schools and is in every room in the elementary school. The battery generated system reportedly filters out 99.99 percent of mold, fungi, bacteria and viruses in the air ducts. The units are changed every three years. According to Riffle, the filtration systems were updated and re-installed to the new ductwork in the summer of 2018.
In other matters, Riffle said the meeting to review proposals for the old gym will still be held on March 13; however, there has been no interest expressed or proposals received so far. The proposal deadline is Friday, March 13 by 4:00 P.M.
The board members unanimously approved a memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Bourbon. Riffle said the memorandum extends jurisdiction to local law enforcement on the school’s properties. The Bourbon Town Council is expected to approve the memorandum at their meeting on March 10.
After the official vote on the memorandum, Riffle said, “Tonight we voted on a Memorandum of Understanding that was created to continue to keep our scholars and patrons safe while on the Triton Campus and to continue to respect those who have a handicapped condition and need parking close to the building. This agreement/town ordinance will allow the Bourbon Police Department to patrol our private grounds in order to keep a safe and orderly environment.”
