KSD Prepared to Move to Online Learning

The Kearney School District released a letter that notified parents, teachers and students that circumstances may require the district to move to 100% virtual learning in certain areas. The letter penned by Superintendent Dr. Matthew Miller did not specify which areas would be affected by this decision.

No decisions have been made to switch to 100% Online Learning at this time - Superintendent Dr. Matthew Miller

Dr. Miller stated that as the number of cases of coronavirus has grown, it has put a burden on the district to find substitutes to cover in-person teaching and supervision responsibilities. As the spread widens throughout the community, the school district will eventually have to decide to move to online learning at certain grade levels, specific classrooms, or even school buildings.

“We are not alone in this complex decision making and comprehensive set of circumstances being considered,” wrote Miller. “We continue to collaborate with Clay County Public Health Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, other health officials and school districts in our region. Area public health officials have asked us to heed their recommendations for safe practices to help reduce the spread and improve their ability to provide life-saving medical care.”

The school district and the City of Kearney have worked together this fall to prepare for online learning. In September and November Kearney Aldermen allocated over $300,000 from the CARES Act grant to the school district for the purchase of computers and electronic equipment for virtual learning. Because of this grant students have the necessary devices to log in to their online learning platforms each day and receive daily instructions and assignments from their teachers.

As of November 5, the school district’s COVID dashboard shows 170 students and staff quarantined because they were identified as a close contact, and 12 have been isolated because they have tested positive. This beats the September 21 record of 168 quarantined and 9 isolated in the district.

“Again, no decisions have been made to switch to 100% Online Learning at this time,” stated Miller in the close of the letter. “We hope this notice reminds families to revisit plans and prepare for the changes that may lie ahead for all of us.”

KPGZ News –Brian Watts contributed to this story