Fort Wayne Community Schools announced more information to make reopening schools safer for students at Monday’s board meeting, including moving the first day of school from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13.
Several parents spoke during the board meeting about how the schools plan to open to students this fall, while being aware of the ongoing pandemic.
Superintendent Mark Daniel talked about steps the schools would be taking to enforce masks, social distancing and sanitation.
Daniel says they are working to continue to get information to parents and staff, as well as working with teachers to make the plan work best for everyone.
“Teacher input is, should we say, it is being included in these, not just discussions, but in our decision making. And I want to tell them 'thank you for this input.' We need it," Daniel said. "Because this is a decision that we, alone, aren’t making.”
District officials announced last week that parents would have the option between in-person learning or e-learning. Daniel said parents would have three weeks to change their decision once school begins, but after that their student will have to continue with the choice.
The board also approved several technology purchases for the district, including 9,000 Verizon Mifi hotspots for students who need internet access at home.
Also on Monday night, the board filled the vacant 4th District seat. The seat has been open since March when board member Jordan Lebamoff passed away unexpectedly.
The board selected Rohli Booker, one of two candidates nominated Monday, to fulfill the remainder of Lebamoff’s term. Booker is a graduate of Southside High School and currently has three children in FWCS.
During the meeting, members of the board commented on Booker’s skills. Board Vice President Maria Norman, at-large, said it was important to have current FWCS parents on the board.
“As the only board member that’s a current parent, I thought it was really important to have that parent perspective on the board.”
Booker previously worked at a community center in Indianapolis and board members said she seemed to understand the dynamics of working on a board and the needs of FWCS.
