Carla Emerson of Hays has been chosen to be a recipient of a new program called the Country Music Teacher Classroom Initiative.

CMTCI is designed to provide teachers with classroom supplies and project funds across the United States.

Teachers create a wish list of desired items for their classroom and project materials needed throughout the year. This list is distributed weekly on social media as part of country musician Jake Gill’s ongoing initiative to serve children and now teachers throughout the US and the world. Items can be purchased by anyone in the world and delivered directly to the selected teacher.

Emerson is a special education teacher at Westside Alternative School in Hays USD 489 where she teaches grades 4 to 7. 

“I teach math, science, social studies, reading and writing, and when I can, art and P.E. My students come to our building because their emotional and behavioral needs have not allowed them to be successful in their regular home school settings. I couldn’t do my job without the help of my paraeducators and the High Plains Mental Health staff that are also an integral part of my room and building," she said. "This will be my 13th year at Westside. I truly enjoy working with this group of students and staff. They all teach me new things every day. It is so rewarding when students make successful transitions back to their home schools.

"The most difficult part of my job, though, is not always having access to the materials I need, such as science materials, library books, art supplies and a variety of P.E. equipment.”

In addition to classroom supplies and project funding, Emerson’s class will also receive a song writing session with Jake Gill via personal visit or Zoom video. Students will be able to select a topic of interest and together as a class, write a song that will be shared with their school and community. Gill believes that song writing can help stimulate the creative dimensions of a child and provide a healthy emotional environment of expression. 

“Song writing combines the therapeutic benefits of music with the creative release of bringing our thoughts to words. Today’s child is experiencing more stress and trauma on a daily basis, than in times before," Gill said. "To be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner, is crucial to a thriving development.”

Gill, a seven-year member of the Country Music Association, founded the CMTCI after a series of life-changing events in the early spring of 2020. It is his hope that teachers and classrooms all over the world can benefit from this program. To support Emerson and her classroom, visit her wish list <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3NSM48WMJV827?&amp;sort=default">HERE</a>.

Items purchased will ship directly to her. If you would like to nominate a teacher to be a recipient of the CMTCI, click <a href="http://jakegill.net/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598367722783.png" alt="Emerson" />
 <figcaption>Emerson</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseCarla Emerson of Hays has been chosen to be a recipient of a new program called the Country Music Teacher Classroom Initiative.CMTCI is designed to provide teachers with classroom supplies and project funds across the United States.Teachers create a wish list of desired items for their classroom and project materials needed throughout the year. This list is distributed weekly on social media as part of country musician Jake Gill’s ongoing initiative to serve children and now teachers throughout the US and the world. Items can be purchased by anyone in the world and delivered directly to the selected teacher.Emerson is a special education teacher at Westside Alternative School in Hays USD 489 where she teaches grades 4 to 7. “I teach math, science, social studies, reading and writing, and when I can, art and P.E. My students come to our building because their emotional and behavioral needs have not allowed them to be successful in their regular home school settings. I couldn’t do my job without the help of my paraeducators and the High Plains Mental Health staff that are also an integral part of my room and building," she said. "This will be my 13th year at Westside. I truly enjoy working with this group of students and staff. They all teach me new things every day. It is so rewarding when students make successful transitions back to their home schools."The most difficult part of my job, though, is not always having access to the materials I need, such as science materials, library books, art supplies and a variety of P.E. equipment.”In addition to classroom supplies and project funding, Emerson’s class will also receive a song writing session with Jake Gill via personal visit or Zoom video. Students will be able to select a topic of interest and together as a class, write a song that will be shared with their school and community. Gill believes that song writing can help stimulate the creative dimensions of a child and provide a healthy emotional environment of expression. “Song writing combines the therapeutic benefits of music with the creative release of bringing our thoughts to words. Today’s child is experiencing more stress and trauma on a daily basis, than in times before," Gill said. "To be able to express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner, is crucial to a thriving development.”Gill, a seven-year member of the Country Music Association, founded the CMTCI after a series of life-changing events in the early spring of 2020. It is his hope that teachers and classrooms all over the world can benefit from this program. To support Emerson and her classroom, visit her wish list <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3NSM48WMJV827?&amp;sort=default">HERE</a>.Items purchased will ship directly to her. If you would like to nominate a teacher to be a recipient of the CMTCI, click <a href="http://jakegill.net/">HERE</a>.

Hays teacher the beneficiary of Jake Gill project to help educators

OK, so even though I call myself a “realist” my wife most often labels me a “pessimist.” I’m not very warm and fuzzy, I don’t go about turning cartwheels of joy and there is usually not a smile on my face for no good reason. But It’s becoming increasingly apparent that for us as a people to get through this current “whatever you choose to call it,” I need to begin making lemonade from the lemons life is currently doling out. So, I’ve come up with some ways wearing these dreadful face masks might actually benefit Kansas sportsmen.

I talk to myself…a lot, and by the way, I’ve never lost an argument with me. With a mask over my face and looking for all the world like Billy The Kid robbing a train, I can stroll down the isle at Cabalas and talk myself into or out of buying another gun, and no one will be the wiser. Behind the mask, my mouth and lips can be reciting the pledge of allegiance a dozen times forward and backward and none will ever know. Unless of course I violate the first rule of talking to yourself and speak so loudly my wife can hear me through the closed bathroom door (yes this is experience speaking again.) And for those of us (you know who you are) who have trouble keeping your mouths shut in a deer blind, viola, the dreaded face mask solves that problem too.

There are myriads of scents associated with hunting, fishing and trapping. From the sweet, musky scent of gunpowder or spring wildflowers to the near stench of catfish bait or that awful gamey smell of an old tom turkey. And let’s not forget the tear rendering smells that can boil forth from a cabin or tent full of deer hunters, especially after consuming aunt Martha’s secret family baked bean recipe the night before.&nbsp; Once again, face masks to the rescue, as its devilish hard to smell anything through one of those contraptions. It brings to mind a deer hunting trip decades ago when I would have given anything for a face mask.

One deer season while I was a youth still living in Ohio, I went with a much older coworker who was convinced we needed to hunt Pennsylvania, so we dragged his tiny (very tiny) camping trailer with us to a state park somewhere in PA. The next morning, we stepped out into 8 to 10 inches of fresh powdery snow. This trip was put together on a whim, and we had absolutely no idea what we were doing or where to go, but off we went. After a dismal and exhausting day trudging up and down wooded hills and through endless valleys, and not seeing another life form, we miraculously found the trailer again, and decided to go somewhere for a good hot meal before bed. We found a little café and settled in to await a couple nice steaks. My buddy ordered a beer to go with his steak, and then noticed on the bar what was often a staple in those days at little country bars; a gallon jug of pickled hard-boiled eggs. After we had devoured our steaks, and he’d had another beer and consumed half-a-dozen eggs from the jar, we returned to the tiny trailer and crawled into bed. 

That night I learned that there is a terrible chemical reaction that takes place between beer and pickled hard-boiled eggs deep within the recesses of the consumers body. I can honestly say I would have given anything for a face mask and to sleep outside in the snow…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>OK, so even though I call myself a “realist” my wife most often labels me a “pessimist.” I’m not very warm and fuzzy, I don’t go about turning cartwheels of joy and there is usually not a smile on my face for no good reason. But It’s becoming increasingly apparent that for us as a people to get through this current “whatever you choose to call it,” I need to begin making lemonade from the lemons life is currently doling out. So, I’ve come up with some ways wearing these dreadful face masks might actually benefit Kansas sportsmen.I talk to myself…a lot, and by the way, I’ve never lost an argument with me. With a mask over my face and looking for all the world like Billy The Kid robbing a train, I can stroll down the isle at Cabalas and talk myself into or out of buying another gun, and no one will be the wiser. Behind the mask, my mouth and lips can be reciting the pledge of allegiance a dozen times forward and backward and none will ever know. Unless of course I violate the first rule of talking to yourself and speak so loudly my wife can hear me through the closed bathroom door (yes this is experience speaking again.) And for those of us (you know who you are) who have trouble keeping your mouths shut in a deer blind, viola, the dreaded face mask solves that problem too.There are myriads of scents associated with hunting, fishing and trapping. From the sweet, musky scent of gunpowder or spring wildflowers to the near stench of catfish bait or that awful gamey smell of an old tom turkey. And let’s not forget the tear rendering smells that can boil forth from a cabin or tent full of deer hunters, especially after consuming aunt Martha’s secret family baked bean recipe the night before.&nbsp; Once again, face masks to the rescue, as its devilish hard to smell anything through one of those contraptions. It brings to mind a deer hunting trip decades ago when I would have given anything for a face mask.One deer season while I was a youth still living in Ohio, I went with a much older coworker who was convinced we needed to hunt Pennsylvania, so we dragged his tiny (very tiny) camping trailer with us to a state park somewhere in PA. The next morning, we stepped out into 8 to 10 inches of fresh powdery snow. This trip was put together on a whim, and we had absolutely no idea what we were doing or where to go, but off we went. After a dismal and exhausting day trudging up and down wooded hills and through endless valleys, and not seeing another life form, we miraculously found the trailer again, and decided to go somewhere for a good hot meal before bed. We found a little café and settled in to await a couple nice steaks. My buddy ordered a beer to go with his steak, and then noticed on the bar what was often a staple in those days at little country bars; a gallon jug of pickled hard-boiled eggs. After we had devoured our steaks, and he’d had another beer and consumed half-a-dozen eggs from the jar, we returned to the tiny trailer and crawled into bed. That night I learned that there is a terrible chemical reaction that takes place between beer and pickled hard-boiled eggs deep within the recesses of the consumers body. I can honestly say I would have given anything for a face mask and to sleep outside in the snow…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: To mask or not to mask

Three-day weather outlook

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

Dozens of Kansas communities are in danger of missing out on significant amounts of money from the federal government because residents haven’t completed their 2020 Census. Statewide, more than two-thirds of the population has completed the task so far, leaving 31.1 percent unaccounted for at this point. As a whole, Kansas is doing better than the nationwide response rate of 64 percent, but there are 10 counties with less than 50 percent of residents completing their forms. All are rural, and they all stand to miss out on their share of billions in federal dollars that will come to Kansas over the next decade based on this year’s census. One county’s response rate is below 40 percent, which could mean the loss of an estimated $50 million in federal aid over the next year. That’s the equivalent of missing out on about $1,300 for every man, woman and child in the county each year. It’s money unavailable to assist with local highway planning and construction, water and wastewater systems, health care assistance and hundreds of other programs. Overall, a 1 percent undercount of Kansans would result in an estimated loss of more than $600 million in federal funding over the next decade. That’s money we pay in federal taxes going to projects in other states. In short, the Census is about money and power. The people who complete the form get their fair share of both. If you skip it, both go elsewhere. COVID-19 has stretched our communities thin, which means ensuring you’re counted is more important than ever. I wrote about how vital it is to stand up and be counted way back in early March, just ahead of the Census Bureau mailing forms urging people to self-respond either through the U.S. Postal Service, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://my2020census.gov/">my2020census.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 844-330-2020. Unfortunately, other events soon gripped our state and nation as the pandemic hit, pushing the counting of our population on the back burner for people. While the pandemic certainly lowered self-response rates, it also hampered the federal effort to ensure everyone is recorded. Census workers who would have normally followed up with households that hadn’t filled out a survey in May and June are just now knocking on doors. The federal government, fearful social distancing measures will hamper the vast data processing required by the year’s end, bumped up the response deadline to Sept. 30, shaving a full month off the original timeline. Like just about everything else in 2020, trimming 31 days off the deadline isn’t ideal. But there’s still time to take a few minutes to respond, ensuring your town’s story is told to help get the most out of the American dream. If you’ve already responded, you can still help by checking with friends and family to see if they’ve done so as well. If they haven’t, tell them what’s on the line and direct them to the website or phone number above. It’s not going to complete the COVID-19 recovery overnight, but federal funding for roads, bridges, broadband internet connections and a litany of other projects won’t just help Kansas’ economic convalescence, but power us to an even brighter future. Act now while there’s still time to make your voice count.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauDozens of Kansas communities are in danger of missing out on significant amounts of money from the federal government because residents haven’t completed their 2020 Census. Statewide, more than two-thirds of the population has completed the task so far, leaving 31.1 percent unaccounted for at this point. As a whole, Kansas is doing better than the nationwide response rate of 64 percent, but there are 10 counties with less than 50 percent of residents completing their forms. All are rural, and they all stand to miss out on their share of billions in federal dollars that will come to Kansas over the next decade based on this year’s census. One county’s response rate is below 40 percent, which could mean the loss of an estimated $50 million in federal aid over the next year. That’s the equivalent of missing out on about $1,300 for every man, woman and child in the county each year. It’s money unavailable to assist with local highway planning and construction, water and wastewater systems, health care assistance and hundreds of other programs. Overall, a 1 percent undercount of Kansans would result in an estimated loss of more than $600 million in federal funding over the next decade. That’s money we pay in federal taxes going to projects in other states. In short, the Census is about money and power. The people who complete the form get their fair share of both. If you skip it, both go elsewhere. COVID-19 has stretched our communities thin, which means ensuring you’re counted is more important than ever. I wrote about how vital it is to stand up and be counted way back in early March, just ahead of the Census Bureau mailing forms urging people to self-respond either through the U.S. Postal Service, online at&nbsp;<a href="http://my2020census.gov/">my2020census.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling 844-330-2020. Unfortunately, other events soon gripped our state and nation as the pandemic hit, pushing the counting of our population on the back burner for people. While the pandemic certainly lowered self-response rates, it also hampered the federal effort to ensure everyone is recorded. Census workers who would have normally followed up with households that hadn’t filled out a survey in May and June are just now knocking on doors. The federal government, fearful social distancing measures will hamper the vast data processing required by the year’s end, bumped up the response deadline to Sept. 30, shaving a full month off the original timeline. Like just about everything else in 2020, trimming 31 days off the deadline isn’t ideal. But there’s still time to take a few minutes to respond, ensuring your town’s story is told to help get the most out of the American dream. If you’ve already responded, you can still help by checking with friends and family to see if they’ve done so as well. If they haven’t, tell them what’s on the line and direct them to the website or phone number above. It’s not going to complete the COVID-19 recovery overnight, but federal funding for roads, bridges, broadband internet connections and a litany of other projects won’t just help Kansas’ economic convalescence, but power us to an even brighter future. Act now while there’s still time to make your voice count."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kan. Farm Bureau Insight: Still time to make it count

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays firefighters were called to a fire in a detached garage at 2710 Pine St. at about 5 p.m. Tuesday.

When firefighters arrived, flames were visible coming from the building.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was injured, said Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston.

No one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was reported by a passerby.

No firm damage estimates were available Tuesday evening, but Preston said the damage will be over $1,000.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598396167221.jpeg" alt="Pine Street fire" />
 <figcaption>Pine Street fire</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays firefighters were called to a fire in a detached garage at 2710 Pine St. at about 5 p.m. Tuesday.When firefighters arrived, flames were visible coming from the building.The fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was injured, said Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598396255916.jpeg" alt="Pine Street fire" />
 <figcaption>Pine Street fire</figcaption>
 </figure>No one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was reported by a passerby.No firm damage estimates were available Tuesday evening, but Preston said the damage will be over $1,000.The cause of the fire is still under investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598396347693.jpeg" alt="Pine Street fire" />
 <figcaption>Pine Street fire</figcaption>
 </figure>

Fire burns Hays garage

WAKEENEY — Trego County on Monday announced 12 new cases of coronavirus in the county, including a Trego County-Lemke Memorial hospital staff member and a resident of a long-term care facility.

"All 12 cases are in isolation, and there is still a significant number of tests pending at this time," the county reported.

Prior to Monday, Trego County had 19 positive cases of COVID-19 since reporting began, including one death.

Read the entire release below or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/tregocountycovid19/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.

WAKEENEY — Trego County on Monday announced 12 new cases of coronavirus in the county, including a Trego County-Lemke Memorial hospital staff member and a resident of a long-term care facility."All 12 cases are in isolation, and there is still a significant number of tests pending at this time," the county reported.Prior to Monday, Trego County had 19 positive cases of COVID-19 since reporting began, including one death.Read the entire release below or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/tregocountycovid19/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598390819039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

12 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Trego Co. on Monday

ELLIS – Ellis USD 388 announced on its website Tuesday that a coach and a student-athlete have tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

The junior high football coach who tested positive was last at practice on Friday and will remain so until cleared by medical staff. Tuesday and Wednesday practices for the Ellis Junior High football team have been canceled.

"Usd 388 will be working with Ellis County Health to contact trace individuals considers close contacts," Superintendent Corey Burton said in the announcement.

In addition, a soccer player, last at practice on Friday, also tested positive. With practices for the soccer team occurring at Thomas More Prep-Marian facilities, all Ellis soccer players and the coach have been determined to be close contacts and will quarantine for 14 days.

Read the entire message to the district below:

We have learned today that one of our junior high school football 
coaches has tested positive for Coronavirus.&nbsp; The coach was last at 
practice on Friday, August 21st and will be out of practice until 
cleared by medical staff. &nbsp;The Ellis Junior High Football team will NOT 
 practice on Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th.&nbsp; Junior 
high football pictures will be rescheduled.&nbsp; USD 388 will be working 
with Ellis County Health to contact trace individuals considered close 
 contacts.&nbsp; 
 We have also learned that one of our soccer 
players has tested positive for Coronavirus.&nbsp; This student was last at
 practice on Friday, August 21st.&nbsp; This player has been isolated and 
will not return to play until cleared.&nbsp; Due to our transportation of 
Ellis players to TMP for practice each day, all Ellis players and coach
 were determined to be a close contact to this positive case.&nbsp; All other
 Ellis players and coach will be quarantined for 14 days.&nbsp; 
 We are alerting you to this development 
because we believe that open communication and district health is 
important.&nbsp; We are working closely with the Ellis County Health 
Department (ECHD) to keep our students and staff as safe as possible. 
 In the meantime, know that USD 388 will 
continue with our safety and health protocols.&nbsp; These protocols 
include masks, sanitizing hands, wiping down equipment and other 
sanitizing processes.&nbsp; 
 In the interim, if you feel you are showing 
signs and symptoms of Covid-19, we encourage you to seek medical advice
 and contact the Ellis County Health Department or contact your primary
 medical provider for more information.&nbsp; Ellis County Health can be 
reached at (785) 628-9440.&nbsp; 
 We are committed to providing a safe and 
healthy educational experience and work environment for all of our 
students, athletes, and employees.&nbsp; We also endeavor to be a positive 
service to our community.&nbsp; It is in the interest of those goals that we
 provide this information out of an abundance of caution.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 We also want to take this opportunity to 
remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and
 among our employees and students.&nbsp; We will treat information 
regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed
 cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will 
comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such 
information.&nbsp; Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate 
harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and 
students. 
 Please contact Corey Burton, Superintendent at
 (785) 726-4281 if you have any questions or concerns.&nbsp; 
 For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

ELLIS – Ellis USD 388 announced on its website Tuesday that a coach and a student-athlete have tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;The junior high football coach who tested positive was last at practice on Friday and will remain so until cleared by medical staff. Tuesday and Wednesday practices for the Ellis Junior High football team have been canceled."Usd 388 will be working with Ellis County Health to contact trace individuals considers close contacts," Superintendent Corey Burton said in the announcement.In addition, a soccer player, last at practice on Friday, also tested positive. With practices for the soccer team occurring at Thomas More Prep-Marian facilities, all Ellis soccer players and the coach have been determined to be close contacts and will quarantine for 14 days.Read the entire message to the district below:We have learned today that one of our junior high school football 
coaches has tested positive for Coronavirus.&nbsp; The coach was last at 
practice on Friday, August 21st and will be out of practice until 
cleared by medical staff. &nbsp;The Ellis Junior High Football team will NOT 
 practice on Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th.&nbsp; Junior 
high football pictures will be rescheduled.&nbsp; USD 388 will be working 
with Ellis County Health to contact trace individuals considered close 
 contacts.&nbsp; 
 We have also learned that one of our soccer 
players has tested positive for Coronavirus.&nbsp; This student was last at
 practice on Friday, August 21st.&nbsp; This player has been isolated and 
will not return to play until cleared.&nbsp; Due to our transportation of 
Ellis players to TMP for practice each day, all Ellis players and coach
 were determined to be a close contact to this positive case.&nbsp; All other
 Ellis players and coach will be quarantined for 14 days.&nbsp; 
 We are alerting you to this development 
because we believe that open communication and district health is 
important.&nbsp; We are working closely with the Ellis County Health 
Department (ECHD) to keep our students and staff as safe as possible. 
 In the meantime, know that USD 388 will 
continue with our safety and health protocols.&nbsp; These protocols 
include masks, sanitizing hands, wiping down equipment and other 
sanitizing processes.&nbsp; 
 In the interim, if you feel you are showing 
signs and symptoms of Covid-19, we encourage you to seek medical advice
 and contact the Ellis County Health Department or contact your primary
 medical provider for more information.&nbsp; Ellis County Health can be 
reached at (785) 628-9440.&nbsp; 
 We are committed to providing a safe and 
healthy educational experience and work environment for all of our 
students, athletes, and employees.&nbsp; We also endeavor to be a positive 
service to our community.&nbsp; It is in the interest of those goals that we
 provide this information out of an abundance of caution.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 We also want to take this opportunity to 
remind you that one of our core values as a district is respect for and
 among our employees and students.&nbsp; We will treat information 
regarding the identity of employees/students with suspected or confirmed
 cases of COVID-19 as confidential to the extent feasible and we will 
comply with applicable laws regarding the handling of such 
information.&nbsp; Further, per district policy, we will not tolerate 
harassment of, or discrimination or retaliation against, employees and 
students. 
 Please contact Corey Burton, Superintendent at
 (785) 726-4281 if you have any questions or concerns.&nbsp; 
 For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Positive tests lead to canceled FB practices, quarantined soccer team in Ellis

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A potential extension of the city's face mask ordinance for COVID-19 is the only business item Hays city commissioners will discuss and vote upon during their meeting Thursday.

The mandate, which has been in place since July 27, is scheduled to end at midnight Monday, Aug. 31.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">approve the ordinance</a>.&nbsp;

Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, wants to extend the face mask ordinance another two weeks, through Monday, Sept. 14, which would include the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 7.

"That way, all of our college students are back in Hays and settled in and we've gotten through Labor Day when people are likely to gather," Jacobs said.

An <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">marked increase in the number of COVID-19 cases</a> in Ellis County — 72 — was reported Monday by Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department health services director.

A <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/34d6b7d0-6613-4af4-97d7-63ada85d1998">joint news release</a> from the health department and Fort Hays State University was issued Friday warning of positive cases found in people who attended house parties and visited bars in Hays on Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15.

"Sixteen days from the day we first had people wearing masks, we had zero new cases of COVID-19," Jacobs noted. "I am in favor of masks. I think it's making a difference."

"We need to also stress the social distancing and discourage mass gatherings," she added, "along with good health hygiene."

Jacobs thinks the community has done well in complying with the face mask ordinance.

"I don't go many places where I don't see people with a mask on when it's appropriate," she said.

The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">Hays ordinance </a>requires people older than age 8 to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor public locales when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are nine exemptions to the ordinance.

The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272020-1221">Aug. 27 city commission agenda</a> also includes the July financial report and a project progress report.&nbsp;

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596805526389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA potential extension of the city's face mask ordinance for COVID-19 is the only business item Hays city commissioners will discuss and vote upon during their meeting Thursday.The mandate, which has been in place since July 27, is scheduled to end at midnight Monday, Aug. 31.Commissioners voted 4-1 to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/78a708f5-4f1e-401f-9bd3-85c618edb4de">approve the ordinance</a>.&nbsp;Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor, wants to extend the face mask ordinance another two weeks, through Monday, Sept. 14, which would include the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 7."That way, all of our college students are back in Hays and settled in and we've gotten through Labor Day when people are likely to gather," Jacobs said.An <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">marked increase in the number of COVID-19 cases</a> in Ellis County — 72 — was reported Monday by Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Department health services director.A <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/34d6b7d0-6613-4af4-97d7-63ada85d1998">joint news release</a> from the health department and Fort Hays State University was issued Friday warning of positive cases found in people who attended house parties and visited bars in Hays on Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15.Classes at FHSU started Monday, Aug. 17."Sixteen days from the day we first had people wearing masks, we had zero new cases of COVID-19," Jacobs noted. "I am in favor of masks. I think it's making a difference.""We need to also stress the social distancing and discourage mass gatherings," she added, "along with good health hygiene." Jacobs thinks the community has done well in complying with the face mask ordinance."I don't go many places where I don't see people with a mask on when it's appropriate," she said.The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/733/Face-Mask-Ordinance">Hays ordinance </a>requires people older than age 8 to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor public locales when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are nine exemptions to the ordinance.The <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272020-1221">Aug. 27 city commission agenda</a> also includes the July financial report and a project progress report.&nbsp;The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Vice-mayor wants to extend Hays face mask ordinance; vote is Thursday

ELLIS – The Ellis USD 388 Board of Education approved the district reopening plan as presented by the district during a special meeting Monday night.

Before the board discussed the plan, three community members spoke to the board about their support of opting out of the mask mandate.

"This takes away medical freedom and my parental authority over my children," Samantha Baker said. "And that is not OK."

She said she would also not allow the district to take temperatures of her children.

Another speaker presented the board with a petition that included 107 signatures asking the board to opt the district out of the mask mandate, but board members noted many of the signatures appeared to be from recent graduates and not just parents as requested by the petition organizer.

Former board member Mike Keller spoke in support of the mandate as a way to keep the schools open so his daughter — a senior — could have a chance of having a full year.

"I can't disagree with anything they said," Keller said. "I get it," offering to the crowd that he generally supports freedom and choice.

But Keller said "My freedom ends where someone else's begins."

Keller also spoke to the crowd about liability issues for the district and the board that could stem from opting out of the mandate without a clear legal precedent.

"There is a lot of times that I had to vote for things that I was not real happy to be voting for, but the sad fact is we do live in a society where lawsuits are the norm," Keller said.

Upon the completion of public comments, the board discussed making masks for children in fifth grade and lower a recommendation, in order to allow for the mandate to be implemented if needed at a later date.

But as board members made comments to the crowd, while supporting the comments and the sentiment of those that wanted to opt-out of the mandate, they ultimately landed in favor of mandated face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors and other visitors.

"I'm not saying the masks are going to be the savior of everything, obviously, but I want to keep these kids in school," said board president Jared Schiel.&nbsp;

They also discussed allowing students enrolled as remote students to participate in extracurricular activities. That measure was brought to a vote by the board but failed 1-6.

The board then voted for the plan as presented, a measure that passed 5-2. Ellis schools are scheduled to reopen with a half-day on Wednesday.

USD Reopening Plans guidelines/procedures will supersede all regular handbook guidelines/procedures until the Covid 19 pandemic is over or the handbook has been adjusted to represent a permanent change. These guidelines and procedures may change through the year as we receive additional information and guidance from federal, state, and local authorities.

Thank you for your patience as our dedicated group of staff who have worked to develop a Ready to Reopen Plan that focuses on a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. After careful planning and collaboration, we are excited to release the Ready to Reopen Plan.

What will school look like for the 2020-21 school year?

As long as the Ellis County Health Department and/or state allows, we will provide on-site learning.

Throughout the year, there could be three different learning environments based on the current phase the county and/or state is in or based on the local needs of our buildings and district. The district or building’s learning environment status will be determined by USD 388 Board of Education, administration, and/or local health officials. The Kansas School Gating Criteria as developed by the Kanas Department of Education will help serve as a reference for us. Below are the three different learning environments.

Learning Environment #1 - On-site Learning Environment: students and teachers will be in school with various safety measures put into place.

1. Students are on-site and in attendance at their school.

2. All students, faculty, staff, vendors and other visitors will wear face coverings.

3. Additional daily cleaning routines will be in place.

4. Classroom layouts have been shifted and rearranged to allow for as much social distancing as possible.

5. Students and staff will go through daily health checks (temperature checks).

6. When possible, students will be maintained in their same cohort group through the day.

7. Social distancing will be implemented during our lunch periods.

Learning Environment #2 - Hybrid Learning Environment (If needed due to increased Covid numbers): students would be spending part of their time in the classroom and part of their time learning remotely from home.

1. Students will attend school either two or three days a week.

2. All students, faculty, staff, vendors and other visitors will wear face coverings while in school.

3. Students will engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning every day when off site.

4. Social distancing measures will be maintained according to current guidelines.

5. Class sizes will be reduced by creating cohorts based on alphabet with the exception of families with different last names staying together.

6. On-site priority will be provided, depending on staffing, for:

a. Students with Low Incidence Disabilities

e. Students with written plans created through collaborative teams

Learning Environment #3 – Remote (Online) Learning Environment: students would be doing all of their learning from home and not entering the school building at all. Remote (Online) Learning is an individual family/student option that you can choose. Remote (Online) Learning may also become mandatory at some point in time if the school buildings are closed due to an outbreak of COVID cases.

The district and/or building will determine the learning environment status (on-site, hybrid, remote) based on state orders, county health orders and/or local needs of the building/district. We will constantly monitor the COVID threat in the community and move between our different learning environments as needed.

Here are 11 essential things to know about remote learning:

1. Students maintain enrollment status at their brick and mortar school (USD 388). This is not an alternate online school.

2. For many classes, students will engage in school online during regular school hours and follow a standard school schedule (8:00 am-3:24 pm).

3. Learning will occur asynchronously (on your own) with daily synchronous (scheduled) contact.

4. Teachers will meet with students daily utilizing technology.

5. Individual services may occur on campus or remotely as appropriate and as allowable.

6. Families will complete a contract that demonstrates their commitment to learning remotely and will abide by established protocols. (i.e. daily logs of time spent in instructional activities, etc.)

7. Independent remote learning commitments will occur for at least a semester. Exceptions could be allowed based on individual circumstances.

8. Students who choose remote online learning will not participate in any in-person extracurricular or additional classroom activities. This includes all sports and other extracurricular activities.

9. Online learning will NOT look the same as our Continuous Learning Plan that we used to end the previous school year. That form of remote learning was a temporary measure.

Students/parents will need to spend significantly more time this year in the daily learning process. It is very important that our students continue to learn and grow each day within their given curriculums/courses.

10. If because of COVID cases USD 388 moves to Remote (Online) Learning, ALL school activities will be canceled during this time. This includes all sports and other extracurricular activities.

11. We are working on a plan for school lunches if schools need to move to online learning or if you choose to do online learning. We are waiting on state/federal guidance on this. Most likely, students would need to pick up their meal curbside at the designated school building and would be charged their normal lunch rate.

Can parents choose between on-site, hybrid, and remote learning for their kids?

As we start our school year, students may choose between On-site Learning and Remote (Online) Learning. If we see an increase in Covid numbers, the district and/or building will determine the learning environment status (on-site, hybrid, remote) based on current state orders, county health orders and/or local needs. Basically, parents will have two options: 1.) send kids to school according to the learning environment determined by the district and/or health officials; 2.) register for Remote (Online) Learning.

What are my options if I do not want to physically send my child to school?

You can register your student for USD 388’s Remote (Online) Learning Environment.

How will on-site learning look compared to previous years?

On-site learning will look and feel the same as previous years when it comes to teaching and learning.

There will be some modifications to schedules and other items to reduce the spread of COVID. Some of these items include:

 No morning assemblies for elementary students. Instead of congregating in the same space, students will go directly to classrooms upon arrival. Parents will need to drop off students in the circle drive, please do NOT accompany your student into the building.

 Junior High students need to use the JH door to enter the building and go to lockers/classroom following temperature checks. High School students need to use the front door and go to lockers/classroom following temperature checks. School breakfast will be grab-and-go and can be picked up on the way to the classroom.

 Our school buildings will open their doors at 7:40 am each day. Students will NOT be allowed in the buildings prior to that time.

 Water fountains will be closed. Water bottle fillers will still remain in use so students will need to bring a personal water bottle for daily use.

 Lunch times will be extended to accommodate smaller groups of kids eating together, more spacing, and time for additional cleaning between groups.

 Staff and students will be required to sanitize their hands on an hourly basis.

 Classrooms will limit the sharing of materials and school supplies. Each student will need to have his/her own supplies to work with.

 Washington Grade School students will remain in their own classroom except for specials, lunch, and recess.

 Desks at Ellis Jr./Sr. high school will be sanitized between each class period of the day.

 Classrooms are being organized to allow for as much social distancing as possible.

 Individual care rooms have been assigned, separate from the nurse’s office, where students or employees who may have symptoms of COVID-19 or another communicable disease will wait to be evaluated or to be picked-up.

How is the district keeping students and staff safe?

Cleaning and sanitation are critical to a healthy and safe learning environment for our students and staff. Some of these additional safety items include:

 Staff will be expected to self-assess their health before every school day using the KDHE provided COVID health assessment checklist.

 Parents will be expected to keep your student home if they are ill. Do NOT send your student to&nbsp;school if they show any signs of illness. Click here for a student self-assessment checklist.

 Students and staff will go through daily health checks including temperature check.

 Each student will need to bring an appropriate clean face covering to school each day.

 Ongoing cleaning and sanitation will occur during the school day with an emphasis on high traffic and high touch zones; deep cleaning/disinfecting will occur outside school hours.

 EPA hospital grade disinfectant is used by the district.

 Building use by outside groups after school hours will be minimized to reduce additional traffic and footprint in areas used for school.

 Buses will be thoroughly disinfected between each route.

 While on the bus, students will be required to wear face coverings and will sit one per seat, unless residing in the same household.

How will I know if the district activates the hybrid or remote learning environment?

The district will inform parents/guardians as soon as possible when the decision has been made to move from the on-site learning environment to either hybrid or remote learning through the regular emergency notification process. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date at enrollment.

Students and employees exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 without other obvious explanations are prohibited from coming to school, and if they do come to school, they will be sent home immediately.

School districts should be familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19 based on KDHE guidance.

Ellis school board approves reopening plan

Vernie's Hamburger House, 527 E. 17th, announced via social media the restaurant will temporarily close due to staffing concerns.

A voicemail message at Vernie's said the restaurant hopes to reopen Tuesday. Vernie's is traditionally closed Sundays and Mondays.

Taco Shop and Breathe Coffee House have also recently announced temporary closures.

Vernie's Hamburger House, 527 E. 17th, announced via social media the restaurant will temporarily close due to staffing concerns.A voicemail message at Vernie's said the restaurant hopes to reopen Tuesday. Vernie's is traditionally closed Sundays and Mondays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598375634535.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Taco Shop and Breathe Coffee House have also recently announced temporary closures.Google cover image

Vernie's will temporarily close due to staffing concerns

The Hays USD 489 school district will still be opening Wednesday with in-person classes, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">despite the spike in COVID-19 numbers reported Monday in Ellis County.</a>

Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson spoke with school board Monday night about a document developed by the Kansas Department of Environment to help school districts determine if they should move to remote or hybrid learning.

"As we are right on the cusp of starting school, there have been a lot of questions about how we are going to determine what phase we are in and how we look at restrictions in our community," Wilson said.

"We had a little bit of a shock moment today as numbers were released, and we had over 70 new cases today in Ellis County," Wilson said. "I am sure there is some concern from our community how safe it is."

Although the increase of 72 cases would put the Hays school district in the orange level, Wilson said more factors needed to be taken into consideration than just the instances of COVID in the county.

Wilson met with Ellis County Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy on Sunday afternoon and talked through the numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most of the numbers that were reported on Monday were the result of voluntary testing of Fort Hays State University students and staff. More than 500 tests were provided. Most of the students were sent tests before they came to campus, Wilson said. 

Kennedy said Monday FHSU students residing in Ellis County are <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388">counted as cases locally.</a>

"We are concerned, but at the same time, the one thing we determined in our conversations was that there really was no risk at us looking at starting this week," Wilson said.

He continued, "I have been visiting with staff this week and the one thing that I have really tried to make sure everyone understood is that we are going to have cases in our schools. It will happen."

The district has developed a plan over the last several months. He compared that COVID-19 plan to plans schools have to evacuate children and staff in case of a fire. He said it is amazing how quickly and smoothly students can be evacuated from a building using a plan.

"I tell staff if we would suddenly divert from that plan and have someone run down the hall and scream, 'Fire, fire, get out! You gotta get out!' we would probably have a different scenario where people would be running and knocking people over. The reason that would not be successful because we would not be following the plan we put in place.

"If we can get through the first month and not pull the fire alarm, so to speak, I think we can really build confidence that we can get through this and grind through this," Wilson said.

Wilson said the district's No. 1 priority is to keep students and staff as healthy and safe as possible.

A group will meet every Tuesday morning to review the gating criteria. Members of that group include school administrators, Kennedy and local physicians.

The group hopes to release any changes in the learning model on Wednesdays with the changes taking affect on a Monday. Wilson said this will give families several days to make adjustments to a change in learning model.

The group will look at a variety of factors, including student absenteeism, two-week county percent positive rate, two-week county cumulative incidence rate, trend data, local hospital capacity and staff absenteeism.&nbsp;

Wilson quoted Kennedy who said it is not all just a certain number. He calls it a little bit of science and a little bit of art.

The art piece is the story behind all of those numbers, Wilson said.

"I have been saying over and over that our No. 1 dilemma may be staffing," Wilson said, "and having enough staff to adequately provide for the student instruction and all of the support that is required to run a school. That is one that will have a lot of weighting."

Board member Craig Pallister asked Wilson what the district will do to notify the public if there are positive cases associated with schools.&nbsp;

Wilson said a student athlete tested positive last week, and those who were affected were notified. He said the same would happen if someone tests positive at a school.&nbsp;

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciated all the hard work school officials are doing on COVID-19 planning. She said she also appreciated the input she has received from the public.

"It is our desire to try to create the safest, most healthy, but also positive learning experience for our students of all ages as well as the staff and the employees that are impacted," she said. 

"I think at this time we are all in support of you and the decisions made. I think we have proven we have the ability to be flexible."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594737108632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school district will still be opening Wednesday with in-person classes, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d96483ff-a057-4189-9240-5851e5d4c2be">despite the spike in COVID-19 numbers reported Monday in Ellis County.</a>Hays USD 489 Superintendent Ron Wilson spoke with school board Monday night about a document developed by the Kansas Department of Environment to help school districts determine if they should move to remote or hybrid learning."As we are right on the cusp of starting school, there have been a lot of questions about how we are going to determine what phase we are in and how we look at restrictions in our community," Wilson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598367687270.png" alt="KSDE Gating Criteria&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>KSDE Gating Criteria&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598367726340.png" alt="KSDE Gating Criteria&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>KSDE Gating Criteria&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"We had a little bit of a shock moment today as numbers were released, and we had over 70 new cases today in Ellis County," Wilson said. "I am sure there is some concern from our community how safe it is."Although the increase of 72 cases would put the Hays school district in the orange level, Wilson said more factors needed to be taken into consideration than just the instances of COVID in the county.Wilson met with Ellis County Public Health Officer Jason Kennedy on Sunday afternoon and talked through the numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the numbers that were reported on Monday were the result of voluntary testing of Fort Hays State University students and staff. More than 500 tests were provided. Most of the students were sent tests before they came to campus, Wilson said. Kennedy said Monday FHSU students residing in Ellis County are <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cd3a0e67-18ff-4994-9791-68b06e842388">counted as cases locally.</a>"We are concerned, but at the same time, the one thing we determined in our conversations was that there really was no risk at us looking at starting this week," Wilson said.He continued, "I have been visiting with staff this week and the one thing that I have really tried to make sure everyone understood is that we are going to have cases in our schools. It will happen."The district has developed a plan over the last several months. He compared that COVID-19 plan to plans schools have to evacuate children and staff in case of a fire. He said it is amazing how quickly and smoothly students can be evacuated from a building using a plan."I tell staff if we would suddenly divert from that plan and have someone run down the hall and scream, 'Fire, fire, get out! You gotta get out!' we would probably have a different scenario where people would be running and knocking people over. The reason that would not be successful because we would not be following the plan we put in place."If we can get through the first month and not pull the fire alarm, so to speak, I think we can really build confidence that we can get through this and grind through this," Wilson said.Wilson said the district's No. 1 priority is to keep students and staff as healthy and safe as possible.A group will meet every Tuesday morning to review the gating criteria. Members of that group include school administrators, Kennedy and local physicians.The group hopes to release any changes in the learning model on Wednesdays with the changes taking affect on a Monday. Wilson said this will give families several days to make adjustments to a change in learning model.The group will look at a variety of factors, including student absenteeism, two-week county percent positive rate, two-week county cumulative incidence rate, trend data, local hospital capacity and staff absenteeism.&nbsp;Wilson quoted Kennedy who said it is not all just a certain number. He calls it a little bit of science and a little bit of art.The art piece is the story behind all of those numbers, Wilson said."I have been saying over and over that our No. 1 dilemma may be staffing," Wilson said, "and having enough staff to adequately provide for the student instruction and all of the support that is required to run a school. That is one that will have a lot of weighting."Board member Craig Pallister asked Wilson what the district will do to notify the public if there are positive cases associated with schools.&nbsp;Wilson said a student athlete tested positive last week, and those who were affected were notified. He said the same would happen if someone tests positive at a school.&nbsp;Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she appreciated all the hard work school officials are doing on COVID-19 planning. She said she also appreciated the input she has received from the public."It is our desire to try to create the safest, most healthy, but also positive learning experience for our students of all ages as well as the staff and the employees that are impacted," she said. "I think at this time we are all in support of you and the decisions made. I think we have proven we have the ability to be flexible."

Wilson: USD 489 OK to open Wednesday despite jump in COVID numbers

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$52.4 million budget at Monday night's meeting.

The board conducted a required public hearing on the budget. No one from the public spoke at the meeting.

The budget includes a slight decrease in the total mill levy. The proposed mill levy for the 2020-21 budget is 41.175 mills compared to 42.145 mills in the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;

Eight mills of the total mill levy are dedicated to capital improvements — the same levy for capital improvements as last school year.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district budgets more in capital outlay funds than it plans to spend. This allows the district to be flexible if it has a facilities emergency. Internally, the district has budgeted to have a capital outlay carry over at the end of the year.

Actual expenditures for the 2019-20 school year were&nbsp;$49.3 million

Assessed valuation for the district was down from $326.1 million in 2019-20 to $322.9 million in 2020-21.

The school board also approved 3.6 mills for the Hays Recreation Commission. These are pass-through funds.&nbsp;

The budget also includes an approximate&nbsp;2.48 percent raise for both certified and classified staff.&nbsp;

Average pay for full-time teachers in the school district for 2020-21 will be $64,452.

Board member Craig Pallister said he was pleased to see a continued focus in the budget on student instruction and support services, which remains above 60 percent.

"One of the keys is that Chris has been in the classroom," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "He has been an educator, and he knows the classroom. If we ask for an increase in a line item, he understands why."

The school board also approved a pay increase for substitute teachers&nbsp;in anticipation of a substitute teacher shortage this school year.

Wilson told the board at its last meeting Hays has the lowest substitute pay in the area. He said he thought the district would need to increase its pay this year to be competitive.

He also said he is anticipating an increased need for subs this year because of the pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598321799888.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a&nbsp;$52.4 million budget at Monday night's meeting.The board conducted a required public hearing on the budget. No one from the public spoke at the meeting.The budget includes a slight decrease in the total mill levy. The proposed mill levy for the 2020-21 budget is 41.175 mills compared to 42.145 mills in the 2019-20 school year.&nbsp;Eight mills of the total mill levy are dedicated to capital improvements — the same levy for capital improvements as last school year.Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district budgets more in capital outlay funds than it plans to spend. This allows the district to be flexible if it has a facilities emergency. Internally, the district has budgeted to have a capital outlay carry over at the end of the year.Actual expenditures for the 2019-20 school year were&nbsp;$49.3 millionAssessed valuation for the district was down from $326.1 million in 2019-20 to $322.9 million in 2020-21.The school board also approved 3.6 mills for the Hays Recreation Commission. These are pass-through funds.&nbsp;The budget also includes an approximate&nbsp;2.48 percent raise for both certified and classified staff.&nbsp;Average pay for full-time teachers in the school district for 2020-21 will be $64,452.Board member Craig Pallister said he was pleased to see a continued focus in the budget on student instruction and support services, which remains above 60 percent."One of the keys is that Chris has been in the classroom," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "He has been an educator, and he knows the classroom. If we ask for an increase in a line item, he understands why."<h2>Substitute pay</h2>The school board also approved a pay increase for substitute teachers&nbsp;in anticipation of a substitute teacher shortage this school year.Wilson told the board at its last meeting Hays has the lowest substitute pay in the area. He said he thought the district would need to increase its pay this year to be competitive.He also said he is anticipating an increased need for subs this year because of the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598296748685.png" alt="USD 489 substitute pay increases" />
 <figcaption>USD 489 substitute pay increases</figcaption>
 </figure>

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