Communication through the COVID-19 pandemic was discussed at the recent Washington Community School Board meeting.

As the board was reviewing the past fiscal year goals, Superintendent Willie Stone asked the board if they felt well informed as community members or parents of what was going on in the district in regards to COVID-19. The board stated they felt so, and Board Member Troy Suchan thanked those in the room for how the district handled the pandemic and not having to shut down any school buildings due to outbreaks during the school year. Stone commented on that accomplishment, “That speaks highly to this group, it speaks highly to our admin., to our teachers, to everyone involved. To our parents, keeping home when they need to be kept home.”

Stone says this is the healthiest the staff has been in a school year, with the least staff missing since Stone has been with the district, which he is grateful for. Looking towards the fall, Stone says they will continue to require face masks be worn on school transportation, as a federal order is still in effect that masks be worn on public transportation. The district attorney advised Stone that the executive order supersedes the state mandate, so they will be “playing by the rules” until the order changes.