Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Jan. 12, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is mailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress.net.
TAYLOR ISD EXTENDS STAFF LEAVE FOR COVID-19
On Jan. 10, the board of trustees approved an extension of one-time paid leave for staff with COVID-19. The leave is up to six days and will be available to Feb. 28.
Trustees had previously extended the leave at their Aug. 16 meeting until Dec. 17.
“During different phases of the pandemic, we believed that we were heading towards some daylight,” said Superintendent Devin Padavil, “but as we have all experienced, the last few weeks have resulted in a rise of cases, shortages on staff.”
Neighboring communities have experienced similar challenges. On Jan. 9, Hutto ISD canceled regular bus routes until further notice due to transportation staff contracting the virus. In a KXAN report, Georgetown ISD’s superintendent said that they are coming up short in their substitute teacher and bus driver rosters.
“We are seeing the same challenges and cases across school districts are rising at a rate we have not seen before,” said Padavil. “Of course, the stress that this is putting on our staff additionally is something that right now I just don’t have the words to describe, so I know that for them, to provide six days of COVID relief and continue that from Dec. 17 to Feb. 28, that gives us the financial bandwidth to make sure that we’re covering people and covering their needs so they don’t need to be stressed about losing their days.”
Padavil said keeping Taylor ISD open is the district’s priority. Based on his data, he expects COVID-19 cases to peak around Jan. 20 and then quickly lower through the early part of February. In the meantime, the challenge remains.
“For perspective, we went through nearly 500 rapid tests over the course of five days,” said Padavil. “Normally we could make it months with that amount of tests.”
LIVINGSTON FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Leo Livingston Fund grant committee is actively accepting applications to help local nonprofit organizations again this year.
The board members consider grants to support effective and established programs, help launch innovative programs and fund unique capital needs that will increase an organization’s capacity.
Grants will not be made to underwrite or sponsor fundraising events or public relation events.
To apply, organizations need to be a local nonprofit with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status along with a list of board members and officers.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 11, and recipients will be notified in March. A formal announcement and presentation will take place in April.
Applications are available at the Taylor Press, 211 W. Third St., and Mark Schroeder’s law office, 311 Talbot.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 11, and mailed to: Leo Livingston Grant Review Committee, 211 W. Third St., Taylor, TX 76574
Applications can also be sent via email to Jason. [email protected] or returned to the Taylor Press. In the subject line, add Livingston application entry.
VIRUS CASES INCREASE AGAIN
COVID-19 cases saw another substantial increase in Williamson County last week, although reported deaths and hospitalizations remained relatively stable.
Confirmed cases, which include past and current cases reported to the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), went up by 7,415 in Williamson County Jan. 4-10. In the two preceding weeks, Dec. 21-Jan. 3, there was an average of more than 3,000 cases each week. Before Dec 21, cases had tallied well below a thousand each week since September.
As of Monday, Jan. 10, WCCHD said there had been a total of 83,322 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Williamson County during the pandemic.
WCCHD’s toll for deaths linked to the disease went up by three. The number stands at 758 as of Jan. 10.
Local hospital space for people with COVID-19 had mixed usage last week. The health district reported 621 beds or 16% of beds for people with COVID-19 were vacant Monday, up from 541 beds and 15% a week earlier. In intensive care units, there were 43 beds or 9% available for COVID-19 patients as of Monday, down from 47 beds and 10%.
For more local stats on COVID-19, visit http:// www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/dashboard.php.
