When applying for the vacant position of superintendent at Wright City R-II School District in February, Dr. Chris Berger did not anticipate many of the challenges facing the district today.

Then again, few administrators across the state could have foreseen the wealth of uncertainties looming over decision makers with the 2020-21 fall semester fast approaching.

Berger, who began his duties on July 1, began experiencing the impact of a global pandemic during his interview process in March. Looking to transition from his role as assistant superintendent in the Waynesville School District, he found himself before a virtual panel of R-II staff and socially distancing from board members during final rounds of questioning.

“The interview process can be pretty intense as it is, but then you add those additional guidelines with COVID-19, and it became even more interesting,” said Berger.

The pandemic has forced R-II’s new leader to adapt during his first six weeks on the job. Naturally inclined to approach and engage, Berger has become acquainted with staff from more of a distance than he would prefer.

“The opportunities to build relationships with staff has been limited,” said Berger. “I’m looking forward to getting all 150 certified staff into one room to connect, but for now we will have to meet one building at a time.”

Berger expects the social aspect of COVID-19 restrictions to be one of the greatest barriers for students as well, when they return to campus for the first time in five months on Aug. 24.

“We have new concerns now with social distancing,” said Berger. “We have to consider, how are we going to get the students coming to high school from lingering in the parking lot. They want to visit. Many of them come to school for the socialization, and we are going to be changing that pattern for kids.”

Berger says the district’s standard is to focus on social-emotional wellbeing during that first week after students have arrived. This year that effort will be amplified and the timeline undefined, as things like academic rigor take a backseat to mental health and providing a safe environment.

“Right now the biggest concern is that we’re falling back,” said Berger, with students having been out of the school buildings for five months. “Typically people talk about the summer slide, and now we’re dealing with that plus two additional months.”

Part of the challenge is helping students settle into a learning routine, when there is the possibility of that learning method changing with little notice. Berger said despite the potential shifts and disruptions, previous experience should benefit the district. Step one was simply formulating a plan and committing to it.

“We have really placed our focus on the steady belief that we’re starting on Aug. 24 and have not deviated from that,” said Berger, who says the district will place its focus strictly on what it can control with the most up-to-date information. “We have to move forward, knowing that there could be new developments and changes daily.”

Berger said his first two weeks at central office were consumed by the unusual task of creating a modified reopening plan through collaboration with other leadership.

“By mid-July we had a plan ready to take before the board for approval,” said Berger.

He notes that one major benefit during his transition into leadership at R-II was the retention of all building administration and a low staff turnover across campuses. He said any constants and stability will be critical during this time.

“Thankfully, I’m not taking over a sinking ship,” said Berger. “I’ve been able to come in and mesh with the initiatives that are already in place. The intensified social emotional component is something I’m learning, because I think Wright City is out in front in that department.”

Traditionally, meetings leading up to the beginning of school would center around the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Berger says he would prefer it that way, but COVID-19 has shifted the approach.

“Our administrative meetings have looked a lot different recently,” said Berger. “We’re still attentive to those long-term CSIP goals, but the primary focus right now is on the logistics of getting school open and welcoming students back safely.”

R-II is also must be aware of the effects of COVID-19 on staff, meaning the support of administration will be more important than ever.

“I’ve been telling our team that when we get overwhelmed and disappointed about the opportunities we’re missing due to COVID, we’ve got to remember why we got into education,” said Berger. “We are here to provide positive perspective and encouragement when the community is faced with challenges.”