In an email sent out to families on Aug. 27, the district announced that the Iowa Department of Education granted their request to start the school year fully online. The request is granted for a two week period beginning on Sept. 8, and the district will hold a special board meeting on Aug. 29 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss options for an official decision. However, the district stated no decision has been made on making a change to the start of the school year.

Due to climbing positivity rates in Johnson County, the district believed it was necessary to request permission to start the school year fully online again for safety of students and staff.

“We have been preparing for this possibility, recognizing the extremely fluid nature of this situation. The health of our students and staff remains the driving force in our decision-making,” wrote Interim Superintendent Matt Degner in the email.

The Iowa Department of Education expects the district to temporarily halt in-person extracurricular activities during the two week period. More information on the status of athletics and activities will be provided no later than Friday afternoon.