Hurley schools provides update on coronavirus plans

HURLEY — Hurley Superintendent Kevin Genisot provided an update on the district’s response to the coronavirus pandemic Sunday, laying out its priorities in the coming days.

Genisot wrote the district would be announcing updates in the near future on its top two priorities — providing meals to any students that need them and continuing to teach while classes are cancelled.

On Friday, district officials announced they were suspending classes through April 13 due to concerns over the pandemic. Later that day, Gov. Tony Evers ordered schools around the state to close no later than Wednesday.

Regarding meals, Genisot wrote in the letter that the logistics are still being worked on to offer a “to-go” breakfast and lunch option for all students.

“We envision developing a way for families to utilize a drive-up lane during certain time frames of the day when Hurley staff would deliver a bagged breakfast and/or lunch to students in a waiting vehicle,” Genisot wrote. “We understand this won’t be a need for every family, but we want to do whatever we can to help meet the needs of all families.”

As for continuing to teach kids, Genisot said the district will provide the education needed so seniors can graduate on time and the other students can move to their next grade.

“Students will need to complete academic work daily and there will be a way for us to document virtual attendance which we will use to meet state compliance requirements,” he wrote.

Genisot said a detailed plan on continuing the educational process is expected to be released Wednesday, with more information on the plan for meals coming soon as well.

Genisot also acknowledged that all school events for the rest of the year will be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and updates would be provided as they become available.

He said the situation wasn’t something the district has had to deal with before.

“It’s uncharted territory for everyone and changes are inevitable, but it’s very attainable if we all work together,” Genisot wrote.

Anyone with questions can contact Genisot at [email protected].

—Richard Jenkins