Verndale School Board discusses back to school plan
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Verndale School Board held its regular meeting on August 2.
Back To School Plan
Several parents were in attendance to hear the school’s plan for back to school and the masking guidance.
With the governor’s executive orders expired, schools have some local control on masking guidelines and operations.
Superintendent Paul Brownlow explained that the school will essentially operate as it did prior to the pandemic. There will be no more early outs on Fridays, and the Wednesday late starts will resume the first Wednesday of each month. This is all subject to change depending on the state.
Face coverings are optional but are required to wear on buses per federal guidelines. There are no social distancing requirements during school or after-school activities. Brownlow may ask teachers for extra space between desks, but not the six feet.
The Verndale School is not requiring COVID vaccinations for staff, students, visitors or volunteers.
The Minnesota Department of Health is concerned about communal eating in the cafeteria. The school plans to resume eating in the cafeteria. Kindergarten may continue to eat in the classroom. . .