FAIRMONT – The Fairmont School board meeting took place over Zoom Tuesday evening. Superintendent Joe Brown provided an update on the learning model.

He said just last night, he sent an email to families informing them that the current plan is to stay in distance learning until Jan.18. After which they plan to transition students to a hybrid model.

“They always look at a two-week window following a major event such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years’,” Brown said about the covid case rate data public health officials look at when deciding on a recommendation.

Brown shared that the up and down changing of models is really hard on faculty and students. He said he knows of other school districts that have already decided to continue with distance learning deep into January or even February.

“With the numbers across the country increased dramatically, there’s a sense that people are taking this more seriously,” Brown said.

Board member Rufus Rodriguez said he is hearing concerns from parents that children are falling behind, which he believes is a widespread concern. He asked Brown if there is a strategy to provide some safeguards so students don’t end up in a learning hole.

Brown said that has been a popular topic in his meetings with other superintendents across the state. He said there was a recent survey among elementary staff in Fairmont who would be interested in teaching during the summer months. He said there was a good response of people willing to teach in the months of June, July, or August.

“Many of our elementary staff are willing to teach and I think that’s what we’d need to do,” Brown said, explaining that they are calling it summer enrichment, rather than summer school. He said there is covid money available to fund it.

Brown also alluded to the fact that the administration is looking at a different type of schedule next year at the high school, which would include an hour of enrichment opportunities.

Board member Mike Edman shared some concerns about the learning model.

“I want us to remember we’re asking a lot from our parents right now. Especially when it comes to those at the elementary level,” Edman said.

He said that this time around, it’s different from the statewide shut down in March because many parents are still going to work every day. And for those who are not, Edman said it is still hard to help children with school during the day while working from home.

“You can’t work your job and teach your kid at the same time. As we get closer to winter break, we need to be aware of everyone’s circumstances,” Edman said.

Moving to other matters, the board heard a report from Community Education and Recreation director, Roni Dauer.

Dauer shared that CER is in its 49th year. She also shared that they have faced a lot of challenges this year due to the pandemic.

“We have had to cancel or postpone many activities,” Dauer said.

This has included youth sports programs, open gym, adult enrichment activities, and other big events such as the Family Fun Fair.

However, Dauer said they also have several new virtual offerings, such as online cooking classes and adult basic education classes, which are taking place over Zoom.

“We do continue to learn and expand with the times,” Dauer said.

Dauer said they are still hoping to have a late winter adult volleyball and basketball league.

In other news, the board accepted a resolution relating to determining the necessity of issuing general obligation bonds and calling a special election on Feb. 9.

Voters will be asked whether the school district should be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6.7 million which will be used to construct a new construction trades building.

The board also accepted Pie/Hunt grant proposals for the 2020-21 school year. Board member Nicole Green said a lot of requests were for individual work stations, laptops, or special memberships to the Principals of Flight class, which give students the opportunity to fly.

In other action, the board:

q Approved the resignation of Haylie Hohensee, special education paraprofessional

q Approved the employment of Yarilza Alvardo as additional outreach support

q Accepted the donation of 2,400 sheets of music and two filing cabinets, valued at $5,000 from Joan Engquist.