Manchester school officials vote to hold remote classes for most through first quarter
Most students would start school year learning remotely under proposal
Most students would start school year learning remotely under proposal
Most students would start school year learning remotely under proposal
The Manchester “Board of School” committee has voted to have students in in grades two through 12 learn remotely through the first quarter of the school year.
School leaders took public comments on the proposal before taking the vote Monday night. School leaders said they know they cannot please everyone, but will make decisions based on analysis and keeping students healthy.
The committee members supported a motion to allow teachers who are prepared to work remotely from home to do so with permission and allow those who would like to teach in the building to do so.
The district will not support teachers' internet, electric or home office cost.
Students in pre-kindergarten through the first grade will be returning to school for two days a week, at the superintendent's recommendation.
Online learning for students in grades two through 12 will be held during regular school hours and follow a standard school schedule. Teachers will use video conferencing technology to teach students.
Board members had a lot of questions and mixed opinions during the meeting , which lasted more than five hours.
"We can't live in fear and I support this measured re-entry into the schools, I support the superintendent's plan," committee member Jane Beaulieu said.
"I personally would support going remote for everyone," member Arthur Beaudry said.
Committee members said any parents who want their children to do distance learning at any time have that option.
In October, the superintendent and health officials will meet to evaluate the process and decide whether to move to a hybrid model, and parents will be given a choice to stay fully remote or switch to hybrid.
Manchester parent Lynnette Acosta said she would be watching the vote closely.
"As a parent myself, I do not want my children going back into the school building itself -- period," she said. "I'm so terrified of sending my kids to school."
Late Monday night, the committee also voted to approve low- and medium-risk Division I high school sports on a regional play schedule. This limits the opponents students will face and includes sports like bass fishing and golf.
A decision on high risk sports, like football, was tabled until the next meeting in order to get some more feedback from the health department.