Central Iowa Times

Despite guidance from the state government with the Return to Learn plan, some central Iowa schools are planning to start the upcoming school year fully remote. 

Waukee, Urbandale and Des Moines school districts issued statements regarding their decisions to start the year off with distance learning, We Are Iowa reported. 

"We believe in local control and this circumstance is no different," the Waukee School Board members wrote in their statement. "We further believe decisions regarding the health and safety of our students, staff and the general community is best made by those most closely associated with the decision-making. And, repeated sources of expertise indicate that a more reasonable percentage to consider closure is most frequently cited at 5% and generally ranges from 3% to 10%. These numbers are an indication of where we expect the matrix numbers to land as it relates to the decisions for a temporary move to online."

The Waukee School Board also said the district and superintendent will not be following state guidance, We Are Iowa reported. 

The Urbandale School Board had sent a request for a two-week waiver to continue online learning at Rolling Green Elementary School, which was denied. But during an emergency board meeting, members decided to do what they thought was best for the safety and health of students and staff. 

The board voted "in favor of prioritizing the safety and health of all Rolling Green students and staff by maintaining the current online instructional model for another two weeks through Thursday, Aug. 20," Superintendent Steve Bass said in an email to parents, We Are Iowa reported.