School Board signs waivers

RITZVILLE — A special meeting of the Lind-Ritzville School Board on Wednesday, May 13, focused on several resolutions related to the school closure and graduation.

Board members unanimously approved multiple waivers relating to the number of days and hours students would normally have to remain in school in Lind and Ritzville.

Board members also approved the final reading of Policy No. 2413, or Equivalency Credit Opportunities; and Policy No. 2418, Waiver of High School Graduation Credits.

Rebecca Gordon was unanimously approved for hire as the Lind Ritzville Middle School math teacher. She was chosen out of three applicants.

Superintendent Don Vanderholm updated those present on reopening.

Nothing is firmly in place, but the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has assembled a 79-person team to put together several possible re-opening plans for the fall, he said.

“There will be a menu of choices for school districts to choose from,” Vanderholm said. “We are now being told not to expect to have this fall start like last year did, but we shouldn’t expect school not to start.

“The committee should have their work done in three weeks so schools can start planning.”

Vanderholm said potential cuts to education would begin to be looked at in June that will be in effect next year, as opposed to waiting until the following year for cuts to begin.