The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees met in regular session last night in person at Joshua Tree Elementary School. Assignment reporter Chris Fleischman was there and has this report…
During their regular session meeting last night, The Morongo Unified School District Board of Trustees heard from Inspire Diagnostics, the district’s COVID-19 testing provider for athletes and staff. In response to concerns about billing, the representative stressed that insurance companies are required by law to cover the cost of testing and Inspire Diagnostics has never billed families directly. COVID Response Coordinator Richard Romo also informed the board that testing for employees began today, in addition to explaining COVID trends in the district. He explained that active cases in the district are currently at six, down from thirty last week.
As October celebrates National Disabilities Awareness Month, MUSD Special Education Local Plan Area Director Heidi Burgett presented a video to the board showcasing the special education resources available in the district. Assistant Superintendent Amy Woods also presented on Career Technical Education, Dual Enrollment, and Advanced Placement programs in the district, explaining enrollment numbers and addressing plans for future expansion. During public comment, the Board continued to hear from a handful of demonstrators who oppose mask mandates in schools, and at one point after public comment, Board President Hilary Slotta adjourned the meeting due to disruptions from those in attendance. The meeting resumed after the demonstrators left, and the board then unanimously voted to ratify the 2021 high school graduates and to resolve that Red Ribbon Week will begin October 23, among other action items.
