Dubuque Times

Leaders of the Dubuque Community Schools are working on formulating a plan for students and staff while schools are closed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Since Gov. Kim Reynolds said Iowa schools would be closed for four weeks, plans have been created to feed students and pay school employees even though schools aren't open. 

School employees on salary or contract will continue to be paid for what would be considered a normal schedule for them until April 13, 2020, officials said. On April 13, a decision for what to do will be given for on-call and remote working. 

Superintendent Stan Rheingans said legislators waived missed school days to be rescheduled. This means officials can continue to pay school staff as normal. 

“That means keeping all of our employees from having to go out and find other employment during this time,” Rheingans said.

Community partners with the district plan on offering grab-and-go meals in 12 sites throughout the county for children 18 and younger. This will be available Mondays through Fridays. Grab-and-go meal sites can be found on the district's website. 

The school district is trying to find ways for students to be educated remotely with their families at home. The idea is that school materials will be given electronically, but officials also want to have packets at meal sites for families that don't have access to the internet. Art supplies will also be available at the meal sites. 

“Many of our families will get those resources available online,” Rheingans said. “But we want to make sure we’re not leaving out those kids or those families who don’t have internet access.”

The school district is still in the process of deciding how to continue with prom and graduation for this school year. 

“Our goal would be to have those events for kids, but time will tell whether that’s a realistic hope or not,” Rheingans said.

Tami Ryan, school board president, said she thinks communication with families needs to be very clear. 

“The district needs to continue with the communication,” Ryan said. “I know a lot of people are wondering what’s next, and we don’t have the answer to that. And I think that’s what needs to be clear, at least this week.”