Bremen Public Schools will stay open as long as the staff stays healthy, as stated by Superintendent Dr. Jim White during the latest Bremen School Board meeting.
Several students have tested positive and while those positive tests have been minimal, contact tracing is affecting several more students, teachers and staff members.
Dr. White told the school board that he spoke with Marshall County Health Officer Dr. Byron Holm who said he is encouraging schools to stay open as long as possible. If there is an instance were COVID-19 affects the kitchen staff, transportation staff or most of the teachers and substitute list, then the school may close for a period of time.
Dr. White commented that the school has procedures in place where kids are wearing masks, being socially distant, and washing their hands or using hand sanitizer.
There are many students who remain on virtual learning, but school officials encourage in-person learning so they can fully engage in their classes. Virtual learning remains available to students throughout the school year.
Officials will determine how classes will function if the school does close for any period of time, either by a local decision or state decision.
School Board President Brian Teall said he would like to see what the current details are when it comes to a decision to close the school as a result of the health pandemic.
High School Principal Bruce Jennings asked for more guidelines on what to tell parents about moving students to a virtual option from in-person learning. He also asked for guidelines if students are not performing well in virtual learning. There are many different scenarios and Dr. White said he would work with Jennings to determine the best practices on a case-by-case basis.
Concerns were also brought up as some classes cannot be taught remotely for CTE and graduation pathway choices and an alternate elective may need to be selected, if the school needs to be closed due to health matters.
Elementary/Middle School Principal Larry Yelaska and High School Principal Bruce Jennings stated that they appreciate the flexibility of teachers and students during the health pandemic.
