Hamilton School Board to Discuss Fall Reopening of All Classes
Hamilton School District is planning to hold all classes in all the buildings this fall, according to Superintendent Tom Korst. In a letter to the public on the school's Facebook page, Korst said the staff and the school board are "committed to figuring out a way to reopen every day with every student if at all possible." Korst noted that each building's staff and department have been meeting often to ensure safety for all involved. However, remote learning is also being improved, so that students can choose that option. He said those learning remotely would be still eligible for extra-curricular activities and scholarships. He emphasized that all decisions will be made in coordination with the Ravalli County Public Health Department.
The Hamilton School Board will have a series of meetings to consider the fall school schedule. They'll be discussing Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High School classes. The board will have a Special Meeting Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. On the agenda will be a Reopening timeline, safety protocols and reopening plans, face-covering policy and any modifications of the school calendar. The next meeting will be at Noon August 4th for discussion of the fall plans, with another Special Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. August 4th. The public is asked to not come to the meetings but instead join the Facebook Live presentations.
The school buildings have been closed since this spring. They shut their doors, cancelled all extra-curricular activities and sports when Montana declared its "Stay At Home" ruling. Students found out about "distance learning" online and the Hamilton High School graduation was held for the first time outdoors at the HHS sports stadium.
By the way, the next regular Hamilton School Board meeting and the Final Budget Hearing for the board will be August 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Conference Room.