The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn School Board held a special session Monday night to discuss their return to learn plan.

The meeting started with an open forum where a parent spoke in favor of the district’s hybrid plan, which includes students alternating days between on-site learning and remote learning. Another person spoke to the Board and read a letter written by a group of teachers who preferred the hybrid plan as well. The Board then approved items included in the Return to Learn plan including adding a full-time substitute position for each of the district’s four buildings and a shortened ride-zone to mitigate the amount of students riding on busses.

The Board then approved the on-site learning for the upcoming school year. Before the vote each Board member gave their reasoning on why they felt it was better for students to be in school and they felt confident in the district’s mitigation efforts to provide a safe environment for students and staff. Superintendent Greg Dufoe says he’s very appreciative of the Board with all the work they’ve put in over the summer, “We understand that this is super complex and I appreciate the Board’s sensitivity to all elements in this. One of the things that I know for sure is the Board has never had anything but the upmost concern for the welfare of our students and staff. That’s unquestionable and I appreciate that deeply.”

Families who have medical concerns or who are otherwise uncomfortable with on-site learning can select fully-remote learning.

The Return to Learn plan was approved unanimously.