It's been three full weeks since students in the Lakeview Local School District began their 2020-21 school year.

"It's a work in progress," said superintendent Jo Taylor.

For staff and faculty, it's time enough to give new meaning to the phrase 'learning as you go.'

"There've been some bumps along the way; it's not a perfectly well-oiled machine yet," Taylor said, adding that the district is still getting shipments of PPE gear and waiting on more, putting out small fires all the while. But she says there's one key to the ability to do it all seamlessly.

"It's a lot of communication, and we're still hearing from some people that things aren't working well for, and we're trying to deal with those situations as they come up."

Campbell Schools superintendent Matt Bowen agrees that communication is crucial.

"Our principals have done an amazing job, our teachers, our students, the communication with our families has been really refreshing," he said.

Having started classes exactly one week ago with in-person learning for 60 percent of the students, Bowen is happy to report no surprises or hiccups.
He says health protocols have eased a lot of anxiety, but that the district is well-positioned to respond if there's a case of COVID.

"Our staff is trained to conduct the remote learning and also face to face, so very quickly we can make that transition for the success of all the students," he said.

Both supers are optimistic that the right tone has been set.

"Knock on wood, it's been a great start for everyone," says Bowen, while Taylor added, "I think most of the big wrinkles have been ironed out."