Superintendent outlines final inspections, emergency plans and school start date

Superintendent Kevin Robidic told the DeWitt Public Schools Board of Education that final building inspections are scheduled for the 14th and 15th and that the district will distribute emergency operations plans for each building to board members for review.

Robidic said the district will provide plans by building; he warned board members that each plan will be lengthy (about 60 pages per building in template form) because of site-specific details such as gas shutoffs. The administration intends to schedule a closed session to review those plans and the district's protocols for lockdowns and other emergency responses.

Robidic also said a family letter and staff communications have been distributed and reminded the board that the first day of school is Aug. 26. He said transportation and food services are preparing to start and that building staff have been working to ensure readiness for the opening.

During the meeting a board member asked whether reminders in the district newsletter about Michigan Virtual students requiring physical presence in the library were new. Robidic replied that the newsletter contained reminders stating that Michigan Virtual students must be physically present in the library during their online classes.

Board members welcomed newly hired middle school principal Becky Manika and praised the district's hiring process for involving community members, parents and staff.