Dixon adjusts bus schedules because of driver shortage

The bus driver shortage prompted a scheduling adjustment for Dixon Public Schools.

Meanwhile, Sterling Public Schools posted more job openings and Rock Falls High School has made public its proposed spending plan for using federal recovery grant money.

There also was an update on COVID-19 cases in Dixon and Sterling schools.

Dixon Public Schools

Marc Campbell, business manager at DPS, sent a letter on Friday to parents informing them of changes to bus routes because of limited bus driver availability.

In three instances, bus routes were combined. In six other cases, another bus or buses will be used to complete shuttle runs including stops at the high school, Jefferson, St. Mary’s and Washington schools.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause,” Campbell wrote in the letter, which specified the affected routes for parents. “Our goal is to transport the students safely to and from school. We appreciate your patience.”

Sterling Public Schools

SPS posted a notice on Tuesday listing open positions in the district. Interested persons should contact Assistant Superintendent Sara Dail at sdail@sps5.org.

The open positions are: elementary art teacher, preK teaching assistant, library assistant, special education teaching assistant, second shift grounds-custodian, substitute teachers and assistants and a part-time certified nursing assistant.

Public education — like a lot of sectors — have experienced a shortage of workers.

Rock Falls High School

Rock Falls has been allocated more than $1.5 million from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III.

The spending plan is available for public viewing at the district website (rfhs301.org) or at the district’s main office at 101 12th Ave. until Dec. 14. Public comment on the plan can be made during the Dec. 15 board of education meeting. Persons wishing to address the board must contact Toni Cain at caint@rfhs301.or for a comment opportunity.

The spending plan extends over three years. Here is an outline of the proposal:

The district would spend $1 million on new heating and air conditioning for the gymnasium, cafeteria and computer lab; $121,500 on student Chromebooks which would likely cost $270 per student; $104,121 on air purifiers for every classroom; $40,000 for internet access hotspots for families; $85,000 for online tutoring services through Paper.co that students can use in school or while studying remotely; and $10,000 for summer learning programs, including credit recovery and alternative high school.

COVID cases

Dixon Public Schools released weekly averages showing positive COVID-19 cases among students and percentage of students quarantined since Monday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 4.

Dixon High School had nine positive cases and four quarantined, Reagan Middle had four positive and 12 quarantined, Madison had three positive and six quarantined, Jefferson had three positive and 13 quarantined and Washington had no positive cases and 17 quarantined. Among staff members, Dixon High had 1 positive case, Reagan 3 and Madison 1.

For the same time period at Sterling Public Schools’ six facilities, there were 26 students out with a positive test and 122 quarantined. Among staff there was one positive case.

Upcoming board meetings

Area boards of education will meet Wednesday Dec. 15: Dixon Public Schools, 6 p.m., Dixon Public School District Administrative Center; Rock Falls High School, 7 p.m. Room 137; Sterling Public Schools, 7 p.m., library, Sterling High School.