Shawano School Board

The Shawano School Board approved the district’s reopening plan Monday, with the current first week of school looking to be a hybrid model unless the county’s health risk drops or a newly forming committee determines otherwise, whichever comes first.

Under the hybrid model, students at Hillcrest Primary School and Olga Brener Intermediate School would be in school five days a week, but Shawano Community Middle School and Shawano Community High School students will attend two days a week while spending the other three days learning online.

The Shawano School Board took its first look at a plan to reopen school doors to students again after having to shut down the buildings three months early via state order due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the pandemic has not subsided, districts around the state are planning to be in school in some form or fashion beginning Sept. 1, the earliest that state law allows public schools to start.

SHAWANO — Shawano School District officials brought a balanced preliminary budget for approval Monday by the Shawano School Board, but that balance could be precarious if the state’s financial situation shifts or pandemic rules change.

Nick Curran, the district’s business manager, said there are a number of unknown factors with the state that could change the budget, which looks to keep the tax rate close to the current $9.58 per $1,000 of equalized valuation.

SHAWANO – The Shawano School Board wrestled Monday night with how to reopen local schools this fall.

Randi Anderson, district administrator, said the schools are weighing four approaches to reentry, ranging from a continuation of 100% virtual instruction to having all 2,300 students and 300-plus staff back for face-to-face instruction.

Anderson said several times during the meeting, “Absolutely. I want our students, our staff back in our buildings.” She said she was not advocating 100% virtual instruction, “but we have to be ready for it.”