By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

During a recent board workshop session, Parkland Assistant Superintendents Dr. Rod Troutman and Dr. Michelle Minotti presented a review of district goals from the 2020-21 school term with a look ahead to 2021-22.

Not surprisingly, numerous items are associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the district’s response to the virus.

Troutman reported the district implemented school counselor training for programs related to anxiety and depression as a result of COVID-19 and other issues.

“We have top notch school psychologists in the district,” Troutman said.

He added St. Luke’s University Health Network came in to provide counseling services for middle and high school students and staff.

Troutman credited David Keppel, director of school services, and his staff for their efforts to sanitize all buildings for the protection of students, staff and visitors.

“It was phenomenal,” Troutman said. “Everything has been clean and disinfected. The schools are impeccable.”

Minotti offered comments for the ongoing term.

“We want to continue to provide the cleanest environment by working with staff and students to create ownership and pride in schools and campuses,” she said.

Additionally, she said the district strives to have safe and welcoming surroundings for everyone.

Troutman said the human resources department has been supporting staff needs and inquiries regarding COVID-19 related practices, processes and laws.

“In all my career, I have seen nothing like this,” Troutman said. “There are no guidelines for this. We try to do what’s best for the district.”

Looking ahead, Minotti noted the district endeavors year round to meet staffing demands in administration, instruction, support and substitutes, with recruitment ideas focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

In another COVID-19 related matter, Troutman said Parkland has ensured every student has connectivity to the Internet for remote learning, if schools are closed.

When the board resumed in-person meetings following more than a year online, a new goal was added for 2021-22.

“We want to modernize the conferencing capabilities of the administration center board room to meet the new expectations of remote participation in meetings,” Minotti stated.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson said everyone should be proud of the work the staff and board applied to the goals, especially during a difficult pandemic year.