Chamois R-1 students are due to continue their long-distance learning today (Wednesday) as spring break comes to a close. Last week, the plan was for a physical return to school May 4, but Thursday, Gov. Mike Parson announced that all Missouri public and charter school buildings will remain closed through the remainder of the academic year.

Superintendent Lyle Best said he agrees with the governor’s decision.

“I don’t think cancelling a few weeks at a time was the best option going forward,” Best said. “Eliminating variables at this point is the better option, I believe. Now everyone knows the situation and can plan the best way to finish the school year.”

While the buildings will remain closed, the curriculum is expected to continue, which for Chamois, is May 14, the scheduled last day of school. Chamois teachers have been encouraged to work from home yet be  responsive to parents and other teachers.

“Staff in each building is constantly working on how to best deliver instruction and provide feedback,” said Best. “I know people often focus on a letter grade, but I want folks to continue to do what is best for the students.  For teachers, the best thing to do is to continue to provide instruction and guidance for what can be done at home.  For parents, the best thing is to work with kids when you can and communicate with teachers about what you can get done at home.  The grades will work out if we keep the focus on what students can do at this time.  We need to have an idea of where students will be at academically when the next school year starts.  The letter grade does not tell you that.”

Office, custodial, food service staff have reduced hours and schedules. 

The next round of assignments will be ready for pick up or drop off on April 17.

“After that we plan to run a weekly drop-off with bus routes,” Best explained. “We want to make sure that we are doing something each week from this point on and that as much communication as possible is going back and forth between the students and teachers.”

Meals will continue through the regular school year, but plans beyond that have not been determined.

All meals will be reimbursed, and there should not be an impact to the school regarding future funding from the state, which is based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA).

“The cancellation should not affect the district’s ADA,” said Best. “At this point, we have not been informed of any withholdings to K-12 education.  We are in a wait-and-see mode.  I don’t think anyone will be surprised if some categories see a reduction this fiscal year, but I believe our district is in as good a position as possible to deal with any revenue reductions as we ever have been.  Needless to say, next year’s funding streams are a big question.”

While the district stopped offering summer school several years ago due to a drop in attendance and resulting loss of funds with the program, Best said because of the coronavirus, something might be put in place.

“We would like to offer some type of program later in the summer,” said Best. “The expense would be worth it given the unusual circumstances we are in. Options would range from a one week ‘Jump Start’ type program before next school year to a multi-week program. The primary focus would be elementary.”

For updates regarding the school visit www.osager1.com.