ROYAL CITY — The COVID-19 school closures have changed the rules for school districts across the state. Districts have had to approve a variety of plans and policies to stay in compliance with new state regulations.

One such item is the Continuous Learning Plan, as approved by the Royal School Board on Monday, May 18. As part of approving the plan, it allows the school district to apply for a waiver for missed school days due to COVID-19.

The waiver is similar to the waivers that districts can apply for when snow cancels school for an extended period of time, such as what happened a couple of years ago when snow storms and poor weather conditions canceled school for multiple days. When a state of emergency is issued, districts have the opportunity to apply for a waiver that allows them not to make up a portion of the missed days.

“When we have a lot of snow days, such as during a state of emergency, we have to apply for a waiver,” said Roger Trail, Royal School District superintendent. “In this case, all 295 school districts (in the state) have to apply for it.”

Schools have had to adjust to the new ways of teaching and learning with no preparation time. Wahluke Interim Superintendent Andy Harlow likened the experience to building an airplane while it is in mid-air.

“We didn’t get a lot of great direction from the state initially,” Harlow said. “It was messy. It still is messy.”

To add to the messiness, the Wahluke School District found itself without a superintendent just after school had been shut down by the governor’s order.

Harlow, who took over the position temporarily, said that he is learning the job, although the timing of getting the position wasn’t optimal.

“I’m really leaning on a lot of great people around me,” Harlow said. “There are supports at the ESD (Yakima Educational Service District 105) and supports at OSPI (Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction). I’m in meetings twice a week with the superintendents in the area. It’s been really helpful.”

As districts work through distance learning issues, they are doing what they can to keep students engaged and connected. Royal Middle School held a virtual talent show for its students. The Wahluke School District will hold a live virtual talent show on June 4.

Districts across the area have also given their students the technology they need to be able to connect with their teachers and learning.

The Royal School District already had plans in place to make technology available to its students. All of the students at Royal Middle School had their own Chromebooks. The rest of the schools were going to get the technology in a systematic rollout. But with the COVID-19 shutdowns, the systematic rollout went out the window.

“We had enough devices in the district to be able to get devices out to everyone,” Trail said. “Our teachers have had a really good attitude and are making themselves available.”

As school districts look forward to next year, there is much speculation that it will not be a traditional return to school. At this time, the state is looking into various options for school districts to choose from. More information on the process will be available as the summer progresses.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.