Niles district monitors guidance on masks

School officials point to drop-off in COVID-19 cases, more outdoor spring events

NILES -- With COVID-19 numbers decreasing in recent weeks and spring sports starting next month, Niles school officials said they will see what state and local health officials will recommend on masks.

School Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen said at Tuesday's board meeting talks will continue between area superintendents and officials with the Trumbull Combined Health District in upcoming months.

She said in the past two weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases locally has dropped drastically.

Thigpen said while some school districts have gone mask optional, Niles is a larger district, so she wants to consult with the health district and review CDC guidelines.

"We will continue to watch the data and listen to the recommendations from health officials before we make a decision on masks. Our numbers have drastically been decreasing since the beginning of February. Many health departments are waiting to hear from the CDC. There are so many different factors that need to be looked at," Thigpen said.

Thigpen said she will check out districts' plans and the number of cases in the Niles community.

Officials said requiring masks of all staff, students and anyone inside a Niles school building has helped keep case numbers down. Board members commended parents for their part in helping during the mask mandate.

She said many indoor sports, such as basketball and bowling, are nearing the end of their seasons, and outdoor spring sports are starting shortly, which allow for more social distancing.

In other matters, with the school district officially released from fiscal emergency a few weeks ago, Treasurer Rhonda Baldwin-Amorganos said this year the district will negotiate new contracts with both the classified and certified staff unions.

Also the board, at the recommendation of the Nutrition Group, increased cost of adult lunch from $3.85 to $4.75 per lunch.

Holly Hanni, senior food services director, said the government sets the costs of the meals with districts required to charge a certain amount.

She said on average five adult meals are sold at five buildings each week, as most teachers purchase side items or a la carte.

The board approved the Nutrition Group for food-service management for the school buildings at a cost of less than $100,000.

In other business, Baldwin-Amorganos said the district was able to address flooding issues that occurred in 2021 when two heavy rainstorms flooded the school administration building off Rhodes and Taft avenues.