Schools will start remote classes this week

Columbia Falls School District 6 began gearing up to teach students remotely this week as the novel coronavirus has shuttered schools for what school leaders expect will be at least the month of April and likely longer.

Students and families started picking up materials Monday at all schools.

The board passed an emergency measure that shifts funding from the transportation budget toward the distance learning effort. Since buses aren’t running, the school will shift funds toward software licensing, transportation of food, instructional materials, costs of time off for employees or repurposed time for staff normally paid from the transportation budget, provided the costs stay within the original transportation budget.

The funds can also be used to bring Internet services to a student that doesn’t have them and to buy computer and other equipment if need be.

Teachers are teaching both from school and from home, using Google classroom and other software. Still, there was an open worry from school administrators, board members and staff about students who simply don’t comply or can’t be found.

In essence, noted incoming superintendent Dave Wick, what students are getting is all homework, and home, for at least some students, isn’t an ideal place to learn.

Lunches and other meals continue to be served, with locations in each community dropping off meals.

The school board also approved a measure to hold the school trustee election by mail. Voters should see their ballots on or around April 15. Four people are running for three seats.

Incumbents Keri Hill, Dean Chisholm and Barb Riley are seeking re-election. David Shaffer is the lone challenger.