Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

During the most recent Linden Board of Education meeting on July 27, Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman discussed plans for revising the fall school reopening plan to allow for virtual learning for all students at the start of the school year.

The board approved revising the reopening plan for the fall semester, which calls for students at all Linden schools to transition to virtual learning until January 2021.

The state has purchased the Schoology online curriculum program for school systems. The Schoology program is a researched-based digital platform that moves students along in their work. The program is personalized for each student and has built-in resources for easy access. Each student will take an exam to determine where they stand in their education, and students can work at their own pace. Teachers will be able to view students’ progress in class and help or encourage them on various subjects.

Students who do not have internet access at home will receive a MiFi device to use at home. A MiFi is a wireless router that acts as a mobile WiFi hotspot. A MiFi can be connected to a cellular network such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon and can provide internet access for up to ten devices.

Other items approved at the meeting include:

• The board approved the Linden Board of Education financial statements for June 2020 and all bank accounts have been reconciled.

• The board approved the Classified Personnel Salary Schedule for 2020-2021.

• The board approved an increase in meal prices for the 2020-2021 school year per the state department of education.

• The board approved the revised Linden City Schools Academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

• The board approved the Linden City Schools Coaches list for the 2020-2021 school year.

• The board approved the hiring of Estella Gamble as school nurse for George P. Austin Middle School.