Lincoln County School District administrators and staffers are scrambling to adjust to the state-ordered six-week shutdown of all schools – including how to figure out credits for graduating seniors to continuing to provide meals to its 5,500 students.
Superintendent Karen Gray said Wednesday that while many issues are in flux, educators had this week received some clarification about Gov. Kate Brown’s executive order.
“There are many details for which we do not yet have an answer but we are discussing, planning and making student-centered decisions so that we can make sure that we are taking care of our staff, students and families,” Gray said in a communication to district parents and residents.
Those, she said, include:
— Waiting for guidance from the Oregon Department of Education on how to deal with graduation, dual credit issues for students taking classes at Oregon Coast Community College, and state requirements on instructional time.
“We will probably be crafting individual graduation plans with students and families in order to get students through this,” Gray said. “Please stay tuned.”
— Trying to determine outside testing requirements for high school students in advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs.
— Gray said the district will be implementing a “supplemental learning plan” to make sure that students maintain both their academic skills and their communication connections with district staff.
“There will be a combination of computer-based learning options and paper and pencil options,” Gray said for all students. “This work will not be graded. It is meant to keep education going with our children until school returns to normal.”
Gray said the district will have more information on the plan by April 1.
— State-mandated meals – the district is providing break, lunch and dinners at five schools, including Crestview Heights in Waldport, and delivering them along each bus route – will also be available Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26, during Oregon’s spring break.
“While LCSD does not generally provide food throughout Spring Break we feel it is necessary for kids to know that they will get something to eat during this time so we are providing it but for only two days of the week, Gray said.
Daily meal pickup at schools and delivery along bus routes will resume Monday, March 30.
Gray said that while there will be no disruption of pay for any employee, Brown’s executive order says districts may require employees to report to work to assist with providing supplemental services and emergency management activities.
“There are options as to how employees will report to work such as in person on site and also virtually,” she said. “More information to come on this soon.”
All sports and extracurricular activities are also suspended until April 29, according to the Oregon School Activities Association.
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For additional information you can access the Oregon Department of Education’s coronavirus webpage here – ODE COVID-19 page
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You can also access the Lincoln County School District’s webpage for more information here – LCSD COVID-19 (coronavirus info)
