Two Clearview board members choose to self-isolate for the regular meeting of the Clearview Board on March 18, 2020 and joined the conversation online.
In-person attendees positioned for social distancing.
Learning continues
The activity of schools has changed dramatically.
Superintendent Peter Barron said the province is pulling together to get online learning operational as quickly as possible.
“Most of our teachers are very skilled at providing online learning,” said Barron, “but teachers who need help will be supported.”
The announcement by the government that all students will move onto the next grade in September has led some to assume schooling is finished for the year.
It is not.
Students will continue with modified course work.
Superintendent Barron said educators will be looking to focus on the most important components in core subjects.
For example, in math, it will be algebra. All schools throughout the province are at different levels of competencies with online learning, so rollout will vary between schools and school districts.
Clearview schools have arranged to sign out chrome books to students without personal computers.
Shaw has opened up it’s Wi-Fi as a free service throughout the entire province which is most helpful.
However, there is a continuing problem with internet service in rural areas where internet speed or access is not always as fast or consistent as one would hope.
At this time, the government has continued their contracts with bus drivers, educational assistants (EAs) and custodians.
The district will be assigning drivers and EAs other duties.
Purchase of buses
The board unanimously passed a motion to tender the purchase of four buses with an option for five.
Purchases are historically done each year to keep the fleet current for safety and maintenance reasons.
Long bus rides on rough roads are hard on buses. Clearview buses stay on the school routes usually 10 to 12 years then are moved on as spare buses for field trips or when regular route buses are down.
Trustee Neitz has asked administration to determine whether 22 spare buses and our current active fleet is the optimal size.
The transportation department is also exploring the possibility of reducing two or three bus routes. A final decision on bus purchases will be made when tenders are received.
Transportation fees
The board unanimously passed a motion to not charge transportation fees for the upcoming school year.
The government gave an additional five per cent increase to transportation funding allowing the projected transportation deficit to drop from $300,000 to $150,000.
It was agreed this deficit would continue to be funded using instructional dollars.
Brenda Schimke
ECA Review
