Logo

Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner, Dr. Matt Blomstedt, held his weekly webinar at 4:00 PM yesterday.  There was not a lot of new information, buth there were some key points from the commissioner and from Governor Ricketts.  The following are some key points I took away from the one hour webinar:

  • Governor Ricketts and Dr. Blomstedt both agreed that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year.
  • Governor Ricketts and Dr. Blomstedt both agreed that it is very unlikely that high schools will be able to hold traditional graduation ceremonies any time in May.  We will be in contact with seniors and senior parents when decisions are made concerning graduation and other end of the year activities.  
  • The learning opportunities Battle Creek Public Schools are providing align very well with the commissioner's recommendations for continuity of learning.
  • Governor Ricketts stated that his people have been running models to predict the peak of coronavirus spread.  He stated that the peak will probably take place in mid to late April.
  • Dr. Blomstedt stated that summer school decisions would not be able to be made until the end of May.
  • Governor Ricketts stated once we hit our peak and start to see a decline in the number of cases, restrictions will be lessened gradually.   He did not offer any specific or projected timeline.  
  • Both stated that the better the public adheres to restrictions and guidelines the better off we will be as a state.  
  • Governor Ricketts stated, "We will get through this together".  

I will continue to pass along information as I get it.  Please continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing.  Thank you for supporting your children and helping them with the educational opportunities provided by our wonderful BCPS teachers.  


Jake Luhr, Superintendent, Battle Creek Public Schools.