Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our local school system has been under tight restrictions - including the Board of Education. In the 2020-2021 school year, there have been only two in-person meetings for our school board. This has been extremely difficult, especially since this was an election year and four local citizens were elected to serve.

After months of restrictions, the school board will finally be able to meet in-person from now on, unless the state and or federal government mandates a shutdown for Michigan schools - but there's a catch. There is a 25 person capacity in the main facility (Manchester Jr/Sr High School Auditorium), but there will be extra rooms for other people to watch the online streaming that will be available on YouTube. "It was important to us to continue offering a virtual access option for our community members who would not be able to attend the meetings in-person. We are able to continue that engagement with our community through the following YouTube link and stream, which will livestream the event." Superintendent Bezeau stated.

With the previous format, Google Meet, members of the school board, students, parents, and community members could participate in the "Publc Participation" section of the agenda. There is no longer a virtual option for those who wish to speak remotely. Dr. Bezeau continues: "...if the board meets entirely in-person, then the public participation is in-person." But, there are other options under certain circumstances - "If, at any point, there are board members participating virtually due to a military commitment, a medical condition, or a state of emergency declared with board members being able to meet remotely, we would then be required to offer the remote public participation option as well. With that being said, we will still offer the Youtube link chat box as an option, but it won't be considered official public participation and comment." Board President Ryan Novess explains that "...another avenue for those who cannot attend in person meetings would be to email the board and Dr. Bezeau. Email is a good way to get a conversation thread started whereas public participation in the meetings is simply that individual addressing the board for three minutes without responses." When asked how he felt about the in-person meetings, President Novess responded: "I feel we are able to communicate with each other on a much deeper level on topics and the flow of conversation between us is easier for all."