Superintendent Ken Crawford

With the first day of school set for Aug. 24, the Highland school board decided to start the year cautiously.

At a special meeting on Aug. 5, the board unanimously agreed to start the year with a hybrid learning model.

With the hybrid model, students will be divided into two groups that alternate days of in-person learning.

“I feel a slow start is probably better,” board member Kathy Butler said.

The alternating attendance will be in place for the first four weeks of school, and the board will re-evaluate the situation at its Sept. 8 meeting when school has been in session for two weeks.

Superintendent Ken Crawford initially proposed starting with just two weeks of hybrid learning, but board members felt that possibly changing immediately after re-evaluation may not be practical.

“I think we should start with four weeks of hybrid, but reassess in two weeks,” board member Rachel Longbine suggested.

Board President Nate Robinson called it a “moving situation” that could be re-evaluated every two weeks if the board opts to continue the hybrid learning past the initial term.

Board member Kevin Engel offered a motion for two weeks of the hybrid model to be re-evaluated on Sept. 2 or 3, but the motion died for lack of a second.

Engel then offered a motion for four weeks of hybrid learning with a re-evaluation on Sept. 8, and that passed unanimously.

Families will have an option to choose a 100% online learning option for their students.

They will have to meet certain criteria, agree to a nine-week commitment and have access to high speed Internet.

The board also agreed to require face coverings for students and staff.

According to the newly adopted policy, the school district will provide face shields for students who would like them.

Otherwise, students will be able to wear their own face masks.