School buildings in Nevada will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, per Governor Steve Sisolak's order.
The Washoe County School District will continue the second phase of distance learning and move on to the third phase on May 11.
"We will be getting more information out to our principals and teachers around that, especially around grading. We have a lot of questions on grading and what that's looking like," said Washoe County School District's Interim Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill.
On Tuesday, Dr. McNeill held a virtual forum to discuss the future of the Washoe County School District amid COVID-19. She says several policies and operations are being reviewed as students continue learning at home.
McNeill said, "We want to make sure, number one, that our students and our staff are safe when we return to school and what that will look like. Social distancing, staggered start times -- all of these are conversations we're having now."
The virtual forum was also an opportunity to get the community involved. Parents were able to ask questions that pertained the school district.
Many parents are wondering when their students can retrieve their personal belongings from school grounds. McNeill said teams are currently working on a plan. Items could be delivered to homes or there is a possibility that families could pick-up belongings under staggered pick-up times.
McNeill also touched on the question of a graduation ceremony for the 2020 high school graduates. She says the school district is still gathering ideas on how to celebrate student's academic achievements. Many have suggested virtual ceremonies or a postponed graduation ceremony.
A question regarding the school district's 2020-2021 attendance policy was also mentioned. Critics say the attendance policy is too strict and if schools open by fall, the current attendance policy wouldn't be adequate with current coronavirus concerns.
McNeill says if a student is sick in any type of way, the school district will work with parents and the student's physician to determine what's best for the student. She also said they'll be reviewing the policy.
Other topics discussed include a equity, the budget, staff morale, and an update on food security programs.
"We've got 20 additional sites that are opening up for food security. We have a food security team that meets every morning. And again, communities and schools have stepped up. Northern Nevada Food Bank, we couldn't do it without our partners in this." said McNeill.
The interim superintendent's virtual forum follows the Board of Trustees decision to discontinue the months-long search for a superintendent. On March 31, Trustees decided to appoint Dr. McNeill as the permanent superintendent at the upcoming board meeting scheduled for April 28.
McNeill and four national candidates had previously been identified as finalist for the position.
Trustees said due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Dr. McNeill's efforts since July of 2019, the board determined it was in the best interest of the district and community to move forward under her leadership as superintendent.
"Every single decision that I make along with our leadership team, are based off of four characteristics. Honest. Integrity. Kindness. Transparency. Without these four characteristics I can't do the job that we've been doing," McNeill said.
