Manchester Community Schools discusses COVID-19 learning plan and reopening of Wellness Center

by Claire Pajka

The brief Manchester Community Schools Board meeting was held over Google Meets on at 6 pm September 21, with all members of the board present except Rebecca Harvey.

During the meeting, the Board approved the Klager, Riverside, and Junior/Senior High handbooks with updated safety precautions, as well as the updated building use agreement. They also discussed the future repairs planned for the Riverside roof, and explained that while they cannot afford to make all the repairs at once, areas of the roof leaking significantly will be repaired quickly.

Superintendent Brad Bezeau gave an update on the extended COVID-19 learning plan, which is a partner document to the preparedness plan approved by the Board a few months ago. He reported that the schools have decided to assess K-8 students in reading and math with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) standardized test. In the Superintendent’s report, Bezeau expressed his pride for the students adjusting and following the new regulations during the first weeks of school. He also acknowledged the huge effort put in by the staff, and expressed his gratitude to the Manchester community for coming together for their students and kids.

The district saw some personnel changes, with new hires including Clint Feldkamp as the 7th and 8th grade football coach; April Stewart as the 7th grade volleyball coach; and Michelle Shrewsberry as a long-term substitute at the Jr./Sr. High. Among the resignations were Kaylynn Campbell from the Early Childhood Center, paraprofessional Jennifer Wolinski, and Jr./Sr. High Fine Arts and English teacher Angelina Griffin.

Shannon Cajic gave an update on the successful opening of the Wellness Center. She reported that they have never exceeded the maximum capacity of 25%, and that everyone who enters has been appropriately socially distancing. Cajic also explained that classes will slowly be brought back, and those interested should check the Facebook page for updates.

The meeting adjourned at 6:37 pm after October 7 was highlighted as “Count Day” in the district, an important date for attendance in the schools. The next board meeting will be held on October 19 over Google Meet. The link for this Google Meet can be found on the Manchester Community Schools’ website.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.