WELCOME — Martin County West School Board met at the Welcome School building this week to continue considering the future of the site.

The board heard a presentation from former gymnastics coach Leeann Steen about the use of the building by the gymnastics program.

The number of students using the site varies with the time of year and the programs involved. Between November and February, competition is attended by almost 90 students. During the summer, about 73 students attend one to four days per week. There are also camps attended by about 35 youth per camp.

The age range of students using the school for gymnastics is from 4 years old to seniors in high school. Programs offered are: advanced lessons, intermediate lessons, CER lessons, open gym and private lessons.

Most of the students are from Fairmont and Martin County West schools, but there are some from other nearby communities.

The site houses equipment that teaches tumbling, vaulting, bar and beam.

Given that the highest attendance is in June and July, the gymnastics program is asking the board to allow use of the school during those months.

The group also would like the board to plan ahead with a place for the program to move if the Welcome school is not available. If there is a new gym built, the group asks that it be compatible with the current gym, and be able to host high school competitions.

In other business, dean of students David Traetow reported there are many events affected by the closing of schools, especially the junior and senior trips; Honor Society; graduation; and MCA and ACT testing. All the events are under evaluation, with a focus on not jeopardizing the health of students.

Administrators praised staff and students for their cooperation, positive attitudes, professional actions, good suggestions and teamwork. The district is working on plans for learning using other available means, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Allision Schmidt noted that a survey sent out by the school via the Instant Alert and Facebook had more than 400 responses the day it went out. Some of the questions were: Are you eligible for school-based daycare? What devices for e-learning or other learning do you have in the home? Do you need access to nutritional programs from the school? The responses were cross referenced with class lists to make sure each household was assured an opportunity to answer the survey.

Board members emphasized that they and staff are doing the best they can under the unusual circumstances. Board members and administrators thanked everyone for the hard work in the last few days, noting many people have gone above and beyond their usual workload.

The next meeting of the school board is planned for 6:30 p.m. April 20 at the Central Office in Sherburn.