Oconee School Board of Trustees Meeting Today

At the top of today’s Oconee School Board agenda is a report from superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland on the start of school August 24. Thorsland’s report will go to Chairman Jerry Lee and the other four trustees. If there are any second thoughts about in-classroom instruction or distance learning, they are likely to be expressed during the meeting. However, at this time, no trustees have made any indications that they might want to reconsider reopening for in person instruction. The district is implementing all safety protocols from the CDC and DHEC, but school officials said that if an outbreak of COVID-19 impacts in the schools, the district would have to adjust. Another topic on their agenda is sexual harassment. The policy titled “Sexual Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct of a Sexual Nature” could be changed to “Sexual Harassment and Retaliation.” New language to be proposed includes: “…the district will not tolerate harassment…by any person,…based on the staff member’s sex (including) gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions). Further, the district will not tolerate retaliation against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment or who has participated as a witness in a sexual harassment investigation.”