The West Central Valley School Board held a second reading for several updated policies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic at their recent meeting.

Co-superintendent Rusty Shockley shared that these updates were recommended by the Iowa Association of School Boards. One of the policies was for District operations during a public health emergency regulation, which mentions handwashing and other recommended hygiene practices, recommendation of face masks, encouraging everyone to monitor their temperatures each morning before traveling to a school building or event, and restricting the use of school buildings and facilities for non-school groups. This brought up discussion among the Board members as to whether they’d allow youth basketball and other sports clubs to use the buildings this year.

Another policy mentioned that when school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies, the part of the day during which school was in session will constitute a school day, and the District will utilize remote learning for the rest of the day. Also among the policies was a request for remote learning form. The District currently plans to open their schools fully August 24th, and have given families the opportunity to register their children for individual remote learning.