AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - At least one school board member called for a delay, but in the end, it will be back to school next week as the Richmond County School System board has decided to stick with their plan for face-to-face and online learning.
At a Tuesday afternoon board meeting, in a 7 to 3 vote, the board voted in favor of a recommendation to continue with their plan.
“We feel very comfortable moving forward with starting Pre-K through 5 on September 8, along with K-8, and then September 10, starting with grades 6-12,” Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw, Richmond County Schools Superintendent, said.
Bradshaw also suggested the board allow parents to choose between online and virtual school.
“While our society continues to monitor school opens across the nation, the CSRA, the state, and the southeastern U.S., my recommendations simply consists of giving our community a choice,” he said.
The plan passed but not without some disagreement as some wanted to hold off on starting school.
“Got to ’ere on the side of caution, and I’ve got to do what my God put on my heart to do, and it’s to keep these kids safe. And two weeks is not going to hurt anybody keeping these kids safe,” Venus Cain, vice president of the Richmond County School Board, said.
For schools to remain open, Bradshaw shared the following guidance:
- Follow the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines and recommendations.
- Monitor staff and student daily attendance.
- Implement closure procedures:
- School closure based on 10 percent absentee rate.
- Classroom closure based on positive COVID-19 contact and cleaning requirements.
- Communicate exposure with parents and staff using letters.
- Assess community spread data
- Monitor GHSA guidance and scheduled high school athletic events.
- Delay Middle School sports while evaluating high school athletics.
The school system is requiring students to wear masks on buses, in hallways, and other transitions where social distancing and contact tracing may be difficult. Other safety protocols that will be implemented include assigned seating in classrooms and on buses.
And technology was a challenge too. At last check, over 18,000 Richmond County students opted to do start the school year online rather than the face-to-face model. Those watching at home had difficulties with the virtual meeting freezing as they talked about virtual school plans.
“We experienced technology issues tonight for our school board meeting,” Jimmy Atkins, Richmond County School Board President, said. “As issues arise, we’ll get on it, and we might have a hiccup the first day or two, but hopefully by the end of the first week, we’ll be smooth sailing.”
One thing is for sure: they want students and staff to do their part being safe.
“It’s a very realistic expectation of this school board that in January, we could have all face-to-face learning, and get back to what we consider normal,” Atkins said.
The Richmond County School Board says they hold another meeting on September 29 to get an update on the first few weeks of school.
Until then, the school system is requesting parents and staff to undergo a daily home screening procedure and stay home if they are sick.
An open house for virtual and face to face students is available. Parents seeking information about the start of school should contact their child’s school.
Copyright 2020 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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Board finishes carving out plans to start the school year in Richmond County - WRDW
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