SHERBURN — The Martin County West return-to-school committee continues to meet to weigh options for the coming school year.

The group consists of parents, administrators, teachers, building and grounds, nurse, transportation, technology, food service and Community Education & Recreation personnel. Its goal is to find solutions to keep students and staff safe, given the coronavirus pandemic.

The district hopes that by mid-August there will be a plan in place, depending on decisions by the governor, and requirements from the state departments of education and health.

School districts are currently working under the guidance that three plans are possible: in-person learning, distance learning or a hybrid of both.

The district hopes to retain its plan for enrollment on Aug. 24-28 and teacher workshops Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

In a related issue, the district hopes to use emergency state funding of $7,600 for plexiglass dividers, masks and sanitizing supplies.

Martin County West also has applied to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, part of the federal coronavirus relief package. The district is seeking $80,000. Officials estimate $500 per student for virus protection, or $340,000. ESSER money would help cover the cost.

In action at its meeting this week, the school board:

o Learned there will be a walk-through tour on July 29 for the Sherburn buildings and Aug. 5 for the Trimont building. Each board member will receive a survey when they arrive in order to rate various areas of each building.

o Approved a 5-cent hike in lunch prices, to $2.70 for the high school and $2.50 for the elementary because of higher food and milk prices. This is the first increase in prices since 2017. Breakfast prices will stay the same for now.

o Heard from Tim Harbo about facilities maintenance projects for the next 10 years. He estimates being under budget if there are no major projects.

o Accepted donations from the Sherburn Lions ($500 for CER) and $8,200 from 3M for STEM projects, such as coding and keyboarding for seventh- and eighth-graders.

o Approved a snow removal contract with Holtz Lawn Care for $90 per hour.