Holm and other administrators reported at the board’s meeting that they continue to sort through state guidelines for opening schools and what it will mean for the district’s 4,300 students across six buildings and more than 700 staff members.
Holm said the district is likely to be able to announce a school opening plan in about two weeks.
“I, like many people who are in education, like to plan ahead and like to know well ahead of time what to predict and how to adjust things,” he said. “I’ve also been a parent, and I understand wanting to know well ahead so you can make plans.”
However, the coronavirus pandemic has the potential to upend the district’s plans in many ways.
School officials were told in June to be prepared for three different scenarios for opening schools — in-person instruction, distance learning or a hybrid of the two, he said. All schools must offer a distance learning option at all levels.
Holm said he hadn’t expected state guidelines suggesting different methods for younger and older students, depending on the viral activity in an area. The state placed an emphasis on preserving in-person education for younger students.
Right now, the state guidelines put the Willmar district in the category of providing in-person learning for elementary students and hybrid instruction for students in middle and high school.
If the viral activity in the area increases, the district may need to switch to all hybrid learning and possibly distance learning for older students. Those switches wouldn’t be made every week, Holm said, but they may have to be made quickly, depending on circumstances.
In addition, schools will still be required to provide school-age child care for essential workers.
Holm said he and administrators are still working through a number of logistical challenges.
Board members had many questions.
Board member Michael O’Brien asked what would happen if a person came down with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
It’s possible that anyone who had been in contact with that person could be sent home to isolate, he said. Public health officials would be consulted, too.
“A quarantine would be a serious disruption to things, but if it keeps someone from getting severely ill or dying, ultimately, it’s just what we need to do,” Holm said.
Board member Mary Amon asked if it was possible that one building could be closed because of exposure. Holm said it would be possible, depending on circumstances.
Board member Justin Bos asked about extracurricular activities, school clubs and music classes.
Holm said those issues will be worked out depending on the type of learning model being used and on Minnesota State High School League guidance.
Bos asked about high school students moving from class and having contact with many different students.
Carrie Thomas, director of teaching and learning, said her team is working through how high school students would move around the school.
Even in-person classes will not be business as usual, Holm said.
“I wish I could tell you it’s going to be seamless and easy,” Holm said. “It’s not going to be seamless and easy.”
Board members told Holm to keep them informed of what he needed to develop the plan. Holm praised the staff, saying he "couldn't ask for a better team to work with."
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August 11, 2020 at 09:00AM
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Willmar plans to announce school plan in about two weeks, still many details to work out - West Central Tribune
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