Graduation plans unmade

Lake City Public Schools thought they had a plan that would allow Lincoln High School seniors to have a commencement ceremony safely this year.

Developed with feedback from students, parents, staff, and school administration, the plan was to have the ceremony outdoors at the Lake City High School football field, under the lights if possible. Depending on the weather, the ceremony would have taken place either at 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30, or 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.

A letter announcing the plans emailed to parents May 7 included the caveat: “Also, we understand that the State of Minnesota could announce new requirements that may force us to change this plan.”

The following day new guidance arrived from the state departments of education and health and the state office of higher education: in-person commencement ceremonies are a no-no.

“The safest way to observe graduation/commencement is for everyone to stay home. Indoor graduations and ceremonies held outside in stadiums and football fields are not permitted,” the guidance reads.

Principal Greg Berge wrote in a May 8 email to parents that the new guidance “is very disappointing as I thought we had a very good and safe plan.”

Berge said the planning committee will meet again and hopes to be ready to announce a new plan by the end of the week.