Posted on

District prepares for changes to new school year

District prepares for changes to new school year District prepares for changes to new school year
 

Lake Holcombe School Board

With safety measures in place, Lake Holcombe School is planning for the opening of the school year. Purchases and procedures were approved for the start of the year, at a regular school board meeting July 20.

Including in the approvals, was a virtual learning technology purchase of iPads for 4K through first grade; Chromebooks for grades two through eight; and laptops for ninth through 12th grade. That way, the school will be better prepared, in the event they have to go virtual.

Superintendent Kurt Lindau says the 2019-20 school year was finished with a surplus, which will help purchase the devices, as well as using CARES Act allocated funds to help with COVID-19 expenses.

As part of their forward plan, the district also requires a facility use waiver, where a person requesting to use the school, will have to sign a waiver, agreeing to comply with health guidance.

“There are some districts who are not going to allow any facility use, but we’re going to try and allow that to happen,” said Lindau.

Student athletes and their parents will also need to sign a waiver for sports seasons. Lake Holcombe is allowing limited contact, following guidance of the WIAA, and requires students to bring their own water bottle and sanitize hands immediately upon entrance of the building.

“Our athletic teams have been having some workouts,” said Lindau.

On recommendation of Lindau, the board also approved waiving the book/ locker/activity fees for 2020-21.

“If there’s ever a year…people could use a break from one more fee, maybe this is the year,” said Lindau, “and we can re-visit it next year.”

Members also accepted $42.50, from Eastbay’s Dine & Donate program, toward the music department.

As a notice to the public, Lindau reported that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issued general aid estimates for the coming year.

“As expected, down 15 percent again, to $146,688,” said Lindau.

The amount is less $26,069 from last year.

“The silver lining is,” said Lindau, “because Lake Holcombe is such a low aided school district, that it doesn’t have a major impact on the mill rate when we get to the annual meeting in the fall.”

Lindau also reported on the school planning a work release for internships.

“This will be another invaluable learning opportunity for seniors.”

Cutline: Members of the Lake Holcombe Board of Education held a live-stream meeting July 20, taking care of business and hearing updates from administration. As of the regular meeting, a five-day school week is planned for the beginning of the school year, with many safety and health measures put in place for students and staff.

LATEST NEWS