BUCYRUS—The Bucyrus City School Board met via Zoom Thursday evening for their regular meeting and approved the first day of school as Aug. 31 for all students.

Superintendent Matthew Chrispin said masks must be worn by all students in grades three through 12 and all staff members to lessen the risk of spreading COVID-19.

“Pre-k through 2 will be up to the discretion of the teacher,” said Chrispin. “We have some kids working on improving their speech. The Spanish teacher needs to see the enunciation of students. We will have to adjust to different things and remove masks during those times.”

Chrispin said the plan will include masks for staff and possibly students through the CARES Act.

“Our plan is to have disposable masks in the offices for parents who may need to come to the school and for substitute teachers,” Chrispin said.

Board member Deb Hoover said leading by example is important for students.

“We need to lead by example and the masks are a must for all. There will be no peer pressure because everyone will have one on,” Hoover said.

He said masks will be mandatory on school buses too. Lockers will not be used for students this school year.

“We are not using lockers, at least for the first semester. Mesh bookbags are preferred. We are worried about the spread of the virus and trying to keep the lockers disinfected and we don’t want kids congregating at their lockers. They will need to stay on their side of the hallway and get to their next class,” said Chrispin.

Board member John Kime said donations for bookbags will be needed as there will be more demand.

Chrispin said the final draft of the back-to-school plan will be coming out within the next week but many details were discussed during the meeting.

Chrispin said remote learning is an option but not the ideal one for schooling.

“Getting more accurate data about internet access for students is important as things can change and we could have to shut down again. Having more information than we had last spring will definitely help but that is why we needed the governor’s message last night. Mask-wearing and social distancing are important to get our kids back in the classroom,” said Chrispin.

The district announced earlier on Thursday that confirmation was received that students who were exposed to COVID-19 all tested negative.

“So the shut-down we imposed is lifted immediately for athletics. We appreciate all of the parents for their cooperation and communication with us,” said Chrispin.

The issue of the school’s Redmen mascot was up for discussion.

“We have had our mascot since 1930 so I want to hear the board’s thought on the issue,” said Chrispin. “It’s a very important issue.”

Kime said parents can call the school with concerns about the school year and the mascot. He said Cleveland schools had virtual town halls and a month-long survey in regards to their mascot.

“It’s a fair and comprehensive way to go about it,” said Kime.

Hoover said the kids need to be involved and that some will agree with the name change. She said the school’s colors would not have to change.

“I did not know it was a slur until 15 years ago when I went to a conference. It is considered the r-word just like the n-word,” said Hoover.

Board member Christa Graves recommended in having a town hall meeting outdoors at the football stadium to discuss the possible mascot change.

Board president Dave Jones said if people have questions or concerns, they need to reach out to the board or superintendent.

“We have a lot going on to get schools reopened. We can possibly form a committee with residents and hold town halls. Maybe have someone speak so we have all the information. We need to take our time as the decision needs to be well thought out and costs taken into account.

Chrispin said the mascot name change issue came about after the district received a letter from the National Congress of American Indians.

“It is a very nice email, very encouraging and providing us with a lot of resources. We need to hold special meetings to get input from people,” said Chrispin.

The board approved several people for various staffing positions, including Brittanie Ulmer as the head girls basketball coach and Robin Showers as the preschool coordinator.

The resignations for the purpose of retirement were accepted for Pam Meadows, Grade 5 Science Teacher, and Kathy Denham, Educational Aide.