×

School board reviews distance learning

NEW ULM — Superintendent Jeff Bertrang gave an update on Distance Learning Plans during the Thursday District 88 school board meeting. The school district is in its fourth week of distance learning.

Washington Learning Center (WLC) and Jefferson Elementary are working on a weekly model. Information and materials are distributed to the families of students and collected for review the next week.

The Middle School and High School are adhering closer to the regular school schedule by using Chromebooks, different video technology and downloads from the teacher.

With this process the school has been able to keep 90% of students engaged with distance learning. If students are not engaging, counselors and social workers are reaching to the students for support. Counselors and social workers are also helping parents struggling with the change to home education.

On average 40% of staff is on site with the rest of staff working remotely. Bertrang said overall, staff morale is positive. They are taking great effort to connect with students.

Under distance learning, the grading process has changed. WLC is focusing on the four main goal areas a kindergartner needs.

Jefferson is using a pass/fail system based on evaluated work.

The Middle School has a hybrid system. Exploratory and enrichment courses will be pass/fail, but the core courses will use the traditional grading system.

The High School will also use a hybrid model with a focus on the seniors first. If the seniors have a course that is not needed for graduation it will become pass/fail to ensure they get the necessary number of credits.

“The focus is not penalizing students for the distance learning model,” Bertrang said. “How can we help them get through this distance learning model is the appropriate way we are looking at this.”

With Gov. Tim Walz announcing the schools will be closed for the rest of the school year, the district will continue to tweak the distance learning model.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with spring sports coaches and advisors. The memorandum states that the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) suspended all spring activities in terms of competition, training, practices and contests. However, the school board and administration believe spring coaches should continue to make contact with their athletes. This is allowed by MSHSL rules. These contacts would help student-athletes remain connected with their coaches.

Each coach is expected to submit a plan to their activity director on how they will remain connected with their student-athletes. The memo also addresses coaching compensation.

The board approved an agreement to provide additional compensation for certain essential school employees. The agreement would be for custodians, food service employees, health aides and paras working in the school-sponsored day care.

Under the emergency executive order issued by Walz, school districts must utilize staff who can work during the distance learning period. Schools are also expected to provide meals to their students and child care.

Under the circumstances, these employees cannot work from home and the district desires to provide additional compensation. Custodians and Food Services will receive a bonus each month they come to the building to work.

The health aides and paras who do school sponsored daycare will receive a $4 an hour raise when working with the kids.

A school family mental health service agreement with Greater Minnesota Family Services was approved. Greater Minnesota Family Services will provide children therapeutic support. The contract rate is $13,125.

The board approved the adult basic education contract with Mankato Area Adult Basic Education Consortium. The purpose of the contract is to provide education services to adults in the local school district for the next school year.

The next regular school board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. in the District Boardroom and through teleconference or electronic means, 414 S. Payne St.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today