JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Public School District Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says they are working to transition to fall learning in 2020.

Dr. Lech says the common questions they receive is what the school district’s plan is for the fall.

“Last spring we transitioned to distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Executive Orders by Governor Doug Burgum,” Dr. Lech states. “These directives closed schools for in-person instruction. Later in the spring, Governor Burgum did allow for the special circumstances of graduation ceremonies and further amended executive orders to allow for summer school and summer programming.”

Dr. Lech says they have been engaging in summer school and some summer activities with various restrictions.

“I continue to be amazed with all involved (students, staff, and administrators) who keep rising to the challenge of an ever-changing set of expectations,” Dr. Lech added.

As summer continues, Dr. Lech says they are hearing feedback and continue working through focus groups to assess last year’s distance planning and gauge perspectives on school this fall.

“Additionally, we are organizing a Re-Entry Planning Team that will represent stakeholders and create a plan for the fall,” Dr. Lech reports. “This includes school board, parents, students, teachers, administrators, support staff, food service, technology, transportation, and health officials.”

Once guidelines are released by Governor Doug Burgum, Dr. Lech says they will hit the ground running.

“The goal is to organize this team quickly once we receive direction to create a re-entry plan centered on staff and student safety using protocols, strategies and expectations that can be enforced, monitored and modified as needed.”

Dr. Lech also thanked the community and staff for their work and support in the process.

“You have persevered and supported our school, teachers, and students as we continue to do the very best we can to serve our students and families. Please know that we will work diligently to create the best possible plan, based on the guidelines, and communicate that plan as soon as possible.”

If you have questions, you’re welcome to contact Dr. Rob Lech at 701-252-1950.