By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – As part of the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package, Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel announced Unit 5 would receive $1.6 million.
Speaking with WJBC’s Scott Miller, Daniel said while the board will make the final decision, he would like to see the money used toward’s technological advancements.
“We do not know yet (where the money will go). It could go into technology; that’s one of the areas that I think we should focus on specifically. Again, that money could ramp up what we are doing in our 6-12 program and could also ramp up what we are doing in our Pre-K through 5 programs. That is, do we become fully one-to-one, in other words, tablets, chrome books, Ipads that sort of things for our younger students. I believe that is the intent of those funds if you don’t have remote learning capacity at this point how do you make that happen.”
As far as remote learning, Daniel said although things are working smoothly, it’s still a challenge.
“Remote learning is rolling along. I will say that our teachers have embraced it. It is a challenge, though, because it is a new phenomenon for us. But I am so proud of what they have done.”
In response to remote learning, Unit 5 has also expanded its meal service distribution.
“During the first week, we realized by going to just site locations we weren’t reaching enough of our students and families,” Daniels added. “We expanded that to nine buses, and I want to say that each bus may have four to five different stops along their routes. We manage that by where we think students are in the greatest need.”
Unit 5 is out of school until May 1.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
