During the School Board meeting, health officials and superintendent Tim Lutz emphasized that schools appear to be the safest place for students, but many families are opting-in for distance learning as the county’s new case rate per 10,000 people increases, which, according to local numbers, is currently at 51.4, and the state’s week-old number is just under 40.
Curriculum Coordinator Colleen Cardenuto said Monday that 951 Bemidji students were enrolled in distance learning, with 330 in grades K-5, 278 in grades 6-8, and 243 in grades 9-12.
Due to staffing issues there is currently a waiting list for elementary students to enroll into distance learning for the next quarter.
State guidelines recommend a distance learning model for all students in counties with case rates of over 50, but the shift in learning models depends on various other data points, such as whether or not there is community spread within the school buildings.
