By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
At its meeting on August 17 the Whitewater Unified School District was given a recommendation by Kelly Seichter, Staff Development/Curriculum Coordinator, to adopt the Edgenuity online platform for those students in grades 6-12 who will be in the fully virtual track. Edgenuity is an Arizona based company that states the following on its website, “Since 1998, we have been bridging the gap between education and technology to help learners achieve success.” Dr. Seichter indicated that the district concluded that with their existing staff they would be unable to provide both in-person and virtual learning for the middle and high school students who plan to continue with virtual learning through the year. Consequently they looked at several companies that specialize in virtual learning, and they chose Edgenuity based on their rigor, their wide variety of electives, and recommendations from districts that have used the program. All the teachers are Wisconsin certified. They offer multiple layers of support, including tutors who are available six days a week, and generally respond to questions in a matter of minutes. There will also be “onsite mentors” in the district who will oversee the students’ progress. The cost of the program to the district will be $250 per student for each semester course. Given that it’s expected that approximately 10% of the students will be participating, the total cost is estimated at approximately $270,000. The plan was unanimously approved by the board. Some students will also be expected to continue with the JEDI program offered through CESA.
It was indicated that the parents of elementary school children will be able to change their students’ learning format (in-person vs. virtual) at the end of the initial four weeks, and also at quarters and semesters. Middle and high school students may change at quarters and semesters.
Business Manager Matthew Sylvester-Knudtson indicated that the costs associated with Edgenuity and other extraordinary expenses for the year would total approximately $525,000, most of which is expected to be made up by cuts to building maintenance budgets and leaving vacant positions unfilled. Ultimately he projected that the district would have a deficit of about $40,000, which would be covered by the small surplus from last year.
The board approved the one year leave of absences requested by three special education paraprofessionals at Washington School. Mr. Sylvester-Knudtson stated that discussions are ongoing with only a few certified staff members regarding possible leave requests. District administrator Caroline Pate-Hefty indicated that the administration is pleased that there have not been more requests, stating that they are hearing from teachers that the plan that was adopted “helped them all feel safe.”
Dr. Pate-Hefty indicated that the current blended COVID-19 positivity rate is 8.58%, still higher than the 8% threshhold recommended by the Jefferson County epidemiologist for in-person learning. Walworth County’s rate is 8.82%, Jefferson’s is 9.4%, and Rock’s, 4.12%.
The Board approved approximately $66,000 to provide necessary school supplies for all students, including those working virtually. Dr. Pate-Hefty indicated that it is the district’s policy to be equitable in providing these supplies to all students.
UW-W’s Children’s Center had announced on August 17 that a staff member had tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in temporary closure of the center. Pate-Hefty indicated that this affects 17 district students who participate in the Children’s Center program.
