The Indianola School Board met in a special session Friday afternoon, discussing the district’s plans and procedures for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The school board and administration agreed to follow the recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Governor’s Office regarding school closings and other related items, which as of now recommends schools stay open.
Among issues currently being discussed and planned for is the potential for school and buildings being closed. In the event of the schools closing, a completely online or virtual learning curriculum is not recommended by the administration, as there are not enough devices for the full K-12 student population, and the limited availability of internet access for students. The district is also working on a plan over the next week to provide meals for students in the event of school being closed, with no official plan in place.
School administrators and the school board reiterated during the meeting that this is a fluid situation, and the district will make any decisions on policies and changes to the schedule known to the public as soon as possible.
A letter from a group of south central Iowa school districts is below.
Central Iowa School Districts Unify on COVID-19 Crisis
In light of recent university and public school closures, central Iowa school district leaders met Friday, March 13, to collaborate and develop a consistent message for our broader communities. Representatives from the Governor’s Office and other educational agencies were also present. At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of our families and staff to resume school as planned after spring break.
Student and staff safety remains our top priority. We all look to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for their expertise and direction. IDPH currently believes the risk to our student and staff population is low. We also acknowledge many of our families rely on district-provided childcare and nutritional resources.
We will continue to partner with IDPH and follow their standard protocol for reportable illnesses. This may result in a need to close a specific building, district, or region of schools. IDPH will be the primary source for how we make our decisions regarding COVID-19.
In addition to IDPH, we are in continuous communication with the Jasper County Health Department (JCHD) and the Iowa Department of Education (IDE). Central Iowa school districts will continue to follow the guidance of these agencies and work together to keep students, families, and staff safe and informed.
Resources
Where you get your information about this virus is important. Look for information from reliable and trusted experts. Social media posts often report partial or inaccurate information.
World Health Organization: Coronavirus FAQs
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Iowa Department of Public Health
What You Can Do To Help
Families and community members can help by following these simple, easy steps that help prevent the spread of ALL contagious viruses, including COVID-19. Practice the same routine hygiene used to help prevent the cold and flu.
Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
In closing, I would reiterate that we will follow the recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Governor’s Office regarding COVID-19 responses. At this point we are planning to resume school on March 23, 2020. We are also preparing contingency plans in the event we are forced to close schools. We would encourage parents to do likewise. Please note that we will continue to communicate as additional information becomes available.
Respectfully,
Art Sathoff
Superintendent, Indianola Community School District
The schools involved:
AMD Community School District
Ames Community School District
Ankeny Community School District
Ballard Community School District
Bondurant-Farrar Community School District
Carlisle Community School District
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
Heartland Area Education Agency
Indianola Community School District
Interstate 35 Community School District
Johnston Community School District
North Polk Community School District
Norwalk Community School District
Pleasantville Community School District
Prairie City Monroe Community School District
Saydel Community School District
Southeast Polk Community School District
Urbandale Community School District
Van Meter Community School District
Waukee Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
Winterset Community School District
Woodward-Granger Community School District