The Panorama School Board held a special meeting Thursday to approve a pandemic response and emergency suspension of policy recommended by the Iowa Association of School Boards.

The resolution includes several provisions pertaining to Iowa school districts’ four-week closure at Governor Kim Reynolds’ recommendation to contain the spread of novel coronavirus 2019, including continuing to pay hourly non-exempt employees during the closure, and reevaluate if the closure is extended. The Board also discussed the free breakfast and lunch program that will be provided to all those 18 and younger in the District’s five communities. Superintendent Shawn Holloway says the meals will begin this coming Monday, and meals will be given on Wednesdays and Fridays for 10 meals offered for each person every week. Holloway says students aren’t required to sign up to receive the grab-and-go meals, but so far he says 216 kids have signed up.

In other business, the Board approved the second reading of Board policies to update their anti-bullying and harassment policy, and approved designating April 13th as a school day, as it was previously meant to be part of the District’s spring break prior to the spread of COVID-19. Holloway also informed the Board that the new scoreboard for the football field has not been installed yet due to ground moisture.