Darin Hahne, Tilden, NE

We are asking how COVID-19 is impacting rural communities. Read below for a perspective from Superintendent Darin Hahne of Tilden, NE, discussing the value of their ESU during COVID-19 closures. You can share yours here: http://bit.ly/iaartcovid

Our ESU, ESU 8, has been instrumental in our efforts during the continuation of learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Special Education department leaned heavily on their Special Education director, Ruth Miller, for guidance on completing prior written notices for our students on IEPs. Their administrator, Corey Dahl, has facilitated weekly zoom meetings to share information and discuss the many issues each school district is facing. Additionally, he passes along essential information he receives from school attorneys, NDE, and our local health department. The technology staff has provided support for online learning tools and CANVAS, our learning management system, which has been very helpful as many teachers had not used online learning resources very extensively in the past. Additionally, our students still have access to mental health resources by utilizing the Licensed Mental Practitioner employed by the ESU. All this while still providing us guidance on the many other topics they usually help with, such as MTSS support, Perkins funding, and state reporting.