Graduation still on for May 17; Options follow

Not much has gone as planned for Clear Lake High School seniors this spring, but the school district isn’t ready to give up on its scheduled May 17 commencement ceremony just yet.

Acting on the recommendation of CLHS Principal Chris Murphy, the School Board voted Tuesday to hold commencement Sunday, May 17, if the gathering is allowed by the State.  June 21 and July 19 were set as alternate dates.

School leaders are hopeful Governor Kim Reynolds will continue to lift restrictions put in place to battle the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Effective May 1, restaurants were allowed to re-open at 50 percent capacity, and churches, fitness centers, retail stores and farmers markets are now open with specific operating criteria.

Superintendent Doug Gee noted that if Governor Reynolds continues to ease restrictions, possibly as soon

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as May 15, graduation could go on with some modifications.  For example, gymnasium occupancy could be reduced to 50 percent and social distancing rules could be applied to seating and the ceremony.

Murphy said he called a senior class meeting in April and about half of the class attended.  He presented three options for commencement.  Holding the ceremony on the scheduled May date was the top choice for the majority of the class.  Options two and three, to set dates in June, July and event August,were also discussed.

Murphy told the board the group prefers to hold commencement in May, but if that is not allowed a June 21 ceremony will be planned.  In the event that cannot be held, Murphy said a ceremony of some fashion will be held July 19.

According to Murphy, students suggested a possible car parade through town, or possibly be able to utilize the City Park Bandshell stage for diploma presentations to students who would singularly walk across the stage and then climb inside a vehicle. Student speeches and scholarship award announcements could be filmed and posted on the school website, it was suggested.

“We’re at the will of other people saying how many and when,” said Murphy.

In other business, the School Board approved Gee’s recommendation to make busing free for local preschoolers.

The district has been charging $25 per month to bus three and four-year-old preschoolers, however Transportation Director Tony Laudner has informed district leaders the transport can be done in a two hour window which will not require additional driver time or impact district finances.

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