Bessemer looks at July for graduation

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — The Bessemer school board voted to tentatively set July 10 as graduation day for the class of 2020, during a special meeting Tuesday. The ceremony will be at 7:30 p.m.

“This is all speculative. We got to plan ahead to see what’s going to happen,” said principal and acting superintendent Dan Niemi.

Niemi said that he thinks it’s going to have to be an outdoor venue, with people separated by six feet for social distancing, and if there is a weather issue they can move it to another day.

“It should be nice on July 10, should be warm enough. We can get them to come across the bandshell, say “hello, congratulations,” and honor the graduates,” Niemi said.

According to Niemi, in the event that this doesn’t happen, the district is considering having him go to each graduate’s home and present them with their diploma.

There will be banners for each student, thanks to an anonymous donor. They will either be displayed on lampposts in the city or at A.D. Johnston High School.

The board also expressed concerns over the possible use of Massie Field for the 4th of July festivities.

“I’m worried about the health and safety of our community. ... I don’t think we should be gathering in large groups,” said treasurer Tara Graham.

Many other members of the board expressed concerns as well and the board decided to table it until their next meeting and discuss it with the 4th of July committee.

The board voted to post internally for several jobs including superintendent/principal, ADJ head teacher and for a part time dean of students at Washington Elementary School.

The next board meeting is scheduled for May 26.