The Ellsworth School Board held a special meeting last Wednesday, October 21st with the goal of helping both students and teachers find more success in this strange year.

Distance learning is a more of a commitment than just teaching in a classroom, so the School Board elected to give teachers two more in-service days without students attending class. Friday, November 13th and Friday, December 11th were the two dates decided upon.

“It’s a fine line,” Superintendent Barry Cain stated before the Board. “You want to give the staff the time they need. Obviously, that’s why we’re here right now, because we don’t feel they have the time they need. At the same time, it’s important to develop a system that isn’t disruptive to families. You know, how do you balance that? How many days? That’s what we’re dealing with.”

“Personally, I think it’s a good plan. Out of all the other options that were laid up there, thinking of the community members that have children in school, we’re looking at the least disruptive option,” Board Member Gary Kressin responded before pointing out that there are a lot of staff members feeling overworked or overwhelmed. The Ellsworth School District is supporting upwards of 200 students by way of virtual learning so far this year. Although that number has fluctuated and is trending downwards, that creates extra work for the staff involved. Before, a 45-minute lesson was just that. Now, that same lesson could take twice the time by the time it’s planned and recorded before being sent to the virtual-learning students.