The end of the school year and preparations for the fall were discussed at the recent West Central Valley School Board meeting.

Co-Superintendents Anthony Lohse and Rusty Shockley informed the Board that about 70-80 percent of the student body is participating in their voluntary continuous learning plan, which they say is “huge.” District Technology Coordinator Amy Doud says about 45 kids have checked out computers to use at home. Shockley mentioned that he attended several meetings with other school administrators and local public health and emergency management officials this week. While the District has pushed back its graduation and prom dates into the summer, the events remain uncertain from a public health perspective. Shockley brought up the idea of having some sort of parade or drive-in substitution, which he said Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber said could have many logistical issues. The Board also mentioned the District’s unique position of spanning three counties, including Dallas, which is one of the more concentrated counties for cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Shockley also discussed how all Iowa schools are required to submit a “Return to Learn” plan to the Iowa Department of Education by July 1st. Details of the District’s plan were not disclosed, but Shockley said there are several possibilities, including a partial return to the buildings, or continuing instruction online. The state has also waived the requirement that schools start no earlier than August 23rd, allowing Districts to alter the length of the 2020-2021 school year.