New school year is exciting, challenging

By on Friday, August 26th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Educators throughout the region say they are excited to see students back in their classrooms beginning next week. InterMountain Education Service District Superintendent Mark Mulvihill says it’s exciting, even though it won’t be easy.

“I have no false illusions,” he said. “This is going to be a tough year. But the excitement level that we’re back to ‘normal’ and we’re back to kids – I can’t wait until the first day of school.”

Mulvihill said that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. It has simply moved to the endemic phase.

“It’s not over, but we need to live with it,” he said. “You only have one time to be a third grader. We need to be ready to give those kids the year they deserve.”

Mulvihill said that many kids have suffered from irregular schooling, especially students who are traditionally underserved and the school districts must be ready to help them heal.