Return to Learn plan takes shape at H-M-S

Developing a plan to resume classes this fall remains a work in progress for the administration and staff of the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District.

A plan was prepared for approval by the school board on July 20, but action was deferred after Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a proclamation the previous week that outlines the state's Return to Learn strategy in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Iowa Code states that traditional in-person classes are the "presumed method of instruction" for Iowa's public and non-public schools. Reynolds' proclamation directs state agencies and schools to "prepare to safely welcome back students and teachers to school in-person this fall." The proclamation also provides the possibility of offering remote educational opportunities should they become necessary.

"Our recommendation, at this time, is to return to a traditional startup with the implementation of the department of education recommendation for mitigation. Other modes of consideration include virtual or hybrid," Superintendent Patrick Carlin said.

The governor's proclamation clarifies how districts could move to primarily remote learning modes of instruction. Remote learning may be authorized when: Parents select that method as the best option for their family; the Iowa Department of Education approves a temporary move for an entire building or district in response to public health concerns; a district determines that individual students or classrooms must be temporarily moved to online learning; or a district chooses to temporarily move to online learning because of severe weather instead of taking a snow day.

The second and third options require consultation with state and local public health officials to determine if online learning will be the primary means of delivering instruction.

"We need a waiver if we choose [online learning] as an option. Parents can choose that as an option, but districts can't," Carlin said. "It remains a very fluid situation. We can't put out a real detailed plan until we get more guidance."

"Right now we need to follow the guidelines of the department of education and public health," said Board President Scott Heetland. "I think we're safe trying to work a good faith effort to implement what they've said."

Information presented to the board included recommendations by the department of education to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those include staying at home whenever someone is ill; frequently washing hands; social distancing whenever possible and feasible; and encouraging masks when age appropriate and when individuals are within six feet for more than 15 consecutive minutes.

The language that "encourages" wearing masks prompted comment from board members who felt it implied that students and staff would be required to use them.

"That doesn't mean we're discouraging people from wearing a mask or face covering," said Board Member Ryan Haack. "We need to look at local data to make a reasonable decision. In my opinion, it does not indicate we need to make a change. We can respond to a situation if it arises."

Board Member David Vander Broek responded that local data is important, but regional data also needs to be considered and that all data will continue to change.

Carlin noted local public health officials are encouraging people to wear masks while other information only suggests they be worn.

"There is the potential to have competing guidance from different agencies," he said. "We need to look at the local situation and make a determination."