My focus for the last several weeks has been centered around responding to the pandemic, COVID-19, and implementing guidance from the Governor, Iowa Department of Public Health, and Page County Health. The impact of COVID-19 has been felt worldwide, and also in the very place we call home. It is an uncomfortable time; it is has struck fear in all of us at some level. It has changed the way we live, we work, and we socialize. However, it has also afforded us the opportunity to think about what we value most in life and dedicate more time to the things we find most important. It has also stretched us to learn new skills using technology and to be more intentional about the way we collaborate. Those are good things in the middle of the storm.
The District has been closed, and many activities have been canceled, but that hasn't stopped the staff from doing good work. The Food Service and Transportation Departments have done a tremendous job of organizing to provide meals for children in our community. The custodians are deep cleaning and sanitizing the buildings, so the buildings will be healthier environments for our students and staff. The teachers are rethinking and developing online and paperwork packets to supplement student's learning while they are not in school.
We have also been practicing social distancing by holding District and Board meetings online. I have been really pleased with everyone's effort to use online platforms to communicate. It is a different way of doing business, but it is allowing us to continue to do the work that needs to be accomplished in a timely manner.
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| Tiffany Spiegel |
Last night the Board held a closed session and then took action to approve an administrative reassignment plan. Aaron Burdorf has been appointed the K-8 Principal, and Jon Weinrich has been named the Assistant Principal/Activities Director. Both Aaron and Jon have been part of our leadership team and are stepping forward to lead in new roles. Tiffany Spiegel's role will be expanded. Her new title will be Director of Special Programs, which will include curriculum. I am looking forward to working with these leaders in these new roles. They are great leaders who will add a lot of value to their new roles and assigned areas.
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| Aaron Burdorf |
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| Jon Weinrich |
On an additional note, the High School renovation project bids came in well under budget. This work has started and will continue throughout the summer. The project is scheduled to be substantially complete at the end of August. We are taking action to ensure this can happen, but we also know we will need to be mindful of COVID-19. The construction crews will need to be healthy, and they will also need to receive their materials in a timely manner to make this come together as planned.
My focus for the last several weeks has been centered around responding to the pandemic, COVID-19, and implementing guidance from the Governor, Iowa Department of Public Health, and Page County Health. The impact of COVID-19 has been felt worldwide, and also in the very place we call home. It is an uncomfortable time; it is has struck fear in all of us at some level. It has changed the way we live, we work, and we socialize. However, it has also afforded us the opportunity to think about what we value most in life and dedicate more time to the things we find most important. It has also stretched us to learn new skills using technology and to be more intentional about the way we collaborate. Those are good things in the middle of the storm.
The District has been closed, and many activities have been canceled, but that hasn't stopped the staff from doing good work. The Food Service and Transportation Departments have done a tremendous job of organizing to provide meals for children in our community. The custodians are deep cleaning and sanitizing the buildings, so the buildings will be healthier environments for our students and staff. The teachers are rethinking and developing online and paperwork packets to supplement student's learning while they are not in school.
