Students in Charles County, Maryland public schools will not start the school year in person, the school board voted Tuesday.
Students in Charles County, Maryland public schools will not start the school year in person, the school board voted Tuesday.
Under the plan, students would receive full-day online instruction four days a week, with Wednesdays designated as independent study days when students could also organize one-on-one meetings with teachers and counselors.
The school board voted in favor of the virtual start of learning 5-2; The student board member objected to the decision.
The school system initially suggested reopening the campuses for special cases, such as students who do not have internet, English learners, and special education students. But the school board voted against that option, citing safety concerns.
Superintendent Kimberly Hill said that could cause major setbacks for some students.
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In a statement later Tuesday, the school board said it would begin the school year with virtual learning with the goal of moving to a second phase, which “would include in-person instruction for special populations of students.”
The board tasked administrators with surveying teachers and parents in those special cases about their comfort in returning to the classroom. Following those findings, the board may decide to reverse its decision next month, allowing students with special needs to return to campus earlier in the school year.
The last part of the recommendation says that, as health conditions allow, other learning opportunities for children can be gradually incorporated, said Virginia McGraw, member of the At-Large Board.
The other options considered were: virtual learning for third to twelfth grade, and in person from pre-K to second grade and special groups; 50% of the students who do virtual learning and the other half who attend school two days a week; and in-person learning for all students.
School will begin on August 31.
For more information, visit the school system website.
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