The Lincoln County School District has begun on-ground classes and made adjustments amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, the Lincoln Count School Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting at the district’s central office, where the first days of school were discussed, along with what the district has done to adapt to the effects of the coronavirus.

Superintendent David Martin gave his report and appeared pleased at what he observed at the four county schools.

“I visited all four campuses,” Martin said. “Each school had a good report.”

Members of the board have also talked to parents in the community and have heard good things regarding the adjustments made.

“Everybody’s very positive,” board member Justin Laird said. “There’s good energy, good outlooks.”

The district has implemented a plan where the student body on each campus is split in half. Students with last names beginning with letters A-L attend Monday and Thursday. Those with last names beginning with letters M-Z go to class Tuesday and Friday.

Wednesday is used for students in the SPED and Gifted programs, along with other students who meet certain criteria.

Students who are not participating in the on-ground format are at home, enrolled in the at-home option.

To organize classwork and ease tension on both students and teachers, the district purchased Google Suites, software used for remote learning. Martin said student accounts should be ready next week.

The district also purchased 4,000 flash drives. Each student will receive one so their lessons and homework can be placed on it in the case they do not have internet at home.

“It still doesn’t fix the rural internet issue,” Laird said. “We’re only as good as their connectivity.”

It was not stated during the meeting when the two groups of students on each campus would be merged back together.

“My kids are in it, so I see it firsthand,” board member Tim Cunningham said. “If we do this for too long, it’ll be detrimental to the education component.”

There will be a special called board meeting Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the central office to discuss the Equitable Digital Learning Act (EDLA) and any other school matters.

The next regular board meeting will take place Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the central office.

Story by Gracie Byrne