The ACSD Board of Directors met in regular session on Monday night March 16th. As you are aware, school has been cancelled for at least four weeks, or until we are directed to reopen by the state.
In light of that, most of the meeting was spent discussing the ramifications of COVID 19 on the district and its operations.
I have been very pleased with the response of our administrators and staff in their quick response to this very fluid situation. In my view they have done a fantastic job of sending out information in a complete and uniform way in order to minimize rumors and the spread of misinformation. In that vein, I would encourage you to be sure of your sources of information before posting things on social media. The board and administrators are always willing to answer your questions and their contact information can be found on the district website under the board tab.
The board will be making decisions as information becomes available to us, as we do not want to make these decisions without all the relevant facts.
Among those decisions that need to be made, is how our hourly staff members will be paid. As of last night we did not have all the information needed to make that decision, but have directed the superintendent to make that recommendation as soon as we have the needed information.
I do want those staff members to know that we are very concerned about your well being and will be using all avenues available to us to alleviate your concerns. I ask that you be patient as we work through this situation.
Among other items of concern for the board is the well being of our students. I am more than pleased at the efforts of staff to quickly organize meal deliveries to those who will need assistance during this time. I strongly encourage you to respond to the survey that went out yesterday to indicate any needs you may have in regard to meals for your children.
The board is also very concerned about the continuation of our students’ education during this time. I would implore you to do everything possible to encourage them to use those resources available to them. We have asked our staff to reach out to our students to provide as much direction as is possible to continue the good work that has been started.
In closing, I want to thank all of our staff for working so diligently to make the best of this unprecedented event. I would again encourage you to reach out to the board with your questions and concerns.
Carl Chalstrom
Board President
