SCSD2 trustees view plans for new school year

Sheridan County School District 2 is currently planning to open school in August, but exactly when, and whether the start will be at the individual schools or online, is still to be determined.

In a work session with trustees Wednesday, District 2 Superintendent Craig Dougherty said the district is still waiting for guidance from the Wyoming Department of Education.

Dougherty said the districts then have to wait for approval, which brings them close to the date that schools actually start in Wyoming.

He said School District 2 would like to submit a plan to the state education department by July 15. He added the district will be working with state officials on that.

As of now, Dougherty said, the school district draft plan in fact consists of two plans – one that would have all students in the school buildings, with modifications for sanitization, technology and attendance, and the other that would provide online, or virtual, instruction for all students except for special populations.

Dougherty said these are the two most likely and viable options for the fall 2020 school start.

He said he would like to have the plans approved by trustees at their meeting in July, although there is a caveat. Dougherty said due to ongoing uncertainties, the district’s draft plan is subject to modification as required by the Wyoming Department of Education and/or county and state health officials.

Sheridan County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hunter was also at the trustees’ work session Wednesday, and Dougherty said the school district has been working closely with Dr. Hunter and Wyoming’s State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist.