The Guthrie Center School Board approved a couple COVID-19-related items at their meeting Monday.

The first was for the District to have a one-hour early dismissal on Wednesdays to give staff more time to handle responsibilities for remote learners. Sixth grade teacher Amanda Booth told the Board that lately she has been spending three hours every Saturday recording videos for her remote learners. Board President Wes Policky remarked that there possibly needs to be a work culture change to expect that teachers work extra hours on their own time as it is a “weird year.” The Board also discussed having a late start on Wednesdays instead, but Elementary Principal Diane Flanery mentioned her fear that some students might not show up for school at all those days.

The Board then approved for the building principals and curriculum director to receive two extra personal days this year as a sign of gratitude for the work they put in over the summer to prepare for the District’s return to learning. The personal days must be used by June 30, 2021.