School Bd, LCC students and parents learn about distance learning first-hand
— Angie Steffen Laurel Advocate
COLERIDGE — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board members gathered April 13 with some members attending via electronic conferencing and others attending the meeting in person.
Juniors and seniors had the opportunity to watch the meeting online for their American History and American Government classes. They could attend the meeting or view it, then submit a report on it.
LCC elementary Principal Paige Parsons said families are trying to work through Zoom although the process is not going as planned.
“We are working through that,’’ Parsons said.
The board approved a transfer of funds of $75,000 from the general fund to the lunch fund and a $100,000 transfer to the activities fund.
Tejlor Strope has been offered the Ag education teacher contract.
Christy Koehler of Lincoln was selected for the elementary education position from six applicants.
Emergency response resolutions were approved by the board due to their legal adviser’s suggestions. As emergency Corona-virus conditions steadily deteriorate, these resolutions allow the district to react readily by granting authority to Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen. He will make decisions on work from home situations and education from home decisions. The board recognizes the Coronavirus is a fluid situation and the delegation of authority to Christiansen.
May 7 will be the last day of digital learning and instruction for all PK-12. Prior to the May 11 board meeting, there will be a virtual recognition of graduates at 6:15 p.m. After the board meeting that evening a construction meeting will be conducted.
Board president Jay Hall recognized the efforts of all staff, teachers, students and parents during the Coronavirus situation.
Four contestants participated in the Wayne State College Young Authors Conference.
LCC Student Council purchased flowers and treats for Laurel and Coleridge Care Centers.
All courses have a home-based format due to Coronavirus concerns.
All activities have been cancelled.
There will be an induction for honors students in the fall.
Although the science fair as an event did not take place, students participated with projects.
Jeff Bermel will be the new director of facilities and maintenance for the school. He has an associate’s degree in diesel mechanics.
Tahlia Reynolds was moved from part-time to full-time in the library. She is a Wayne State College graduate with a bachelor of science degree and an online master’s degree.
The school began the Coronavirus situation delivering 300 meals per day. That number has dropped to 257 and hit a high of 375. Dustin Thompson has been volunteering his time as a bus driver.
The school’s business manager has been tracking the Coronavirus costs for the school. Grants are being applied for to help with costs. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide 83 percent of what the school’s costs are.
In March 2020, U.S. lawmakers agreed on the passage of a $2 trillion stimulus bill, called the CARES Act, to blunt the impact of an economic downturn set in motion by the global Coronavirus pandemic. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the bill into law.
Drivers’ education classes are closed. They usually involved about 30 people.
Seventeen people joined in on Community Conversations via Zoom. Topics were related to school closing due to the Corona-virus.
The school was contacted by the health department for transparency film to use for making face masks for virus prevention. The new student board member is Brianna Campbell.
