Sep 14

Sep 14 LCPS Board reverses course, to start in-person classes on September 28

The Lenoir County School Board held its monthly meeting on Monday night. After reading letters from concerned citizens and parents, the board listened to the updates of what LCPS administrators are doing to prepare for the reopening of public schools.

School board member Bruce Hill said the July 27 decision was the, “Most gut-wrenching decision I’ve ever had to make.”

LCPS administrators outlined plans to reopen the school while reiterating that parents would have the option to choose. The Instructional Day Hybrid Model, which states that students will be assigned to a Cohort group. Cohort A will attend school face to face Monday and Tuesday and will have asynchronous (recorded) lessons and assignments via Seesaw/Canvas on Thursday and Friday. Cohort B will attend school face to face Thursday and Friday and will have asynchronous (recorded) lessons and assignments via Seesaw/Canvas on Monday and Tuesday. Elementary students will have a synchronous (live) morning meeting on remote school days via Zoom. All students will have a uniform remote learning day on Wednesday to work on weekly assignments. Students will need to complete assignments for grades and attendance on a daily basis.

Instructional Day Fully Remote Elementary Students will have daily morning meetings and the opportunity for synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) learning throughout the week with the possibility for designated teachers to support fully remote learning. Assignments must be completed daily. Middle and High school students will be assigned to Cohort A or Cohort B and will attend synchronous (live lessons on their cohort's schedule. Students will complete assignments and asynchronous lessons on the other three days. Students will need to complete assignments for grades and attendance.

“I don’t think there was a right choice for the best choice under the circumstances,” said Hill.

Superintendent Brent Williams reviewed the planning and the policies in place for positive COVID-19 cases should a student or staff test positive. Students and staff will have their temperatures taken and masks will be required.

After discussion among the board, board member Richard Bogan made a motion to amend the July 27 decision and adopt the Plan B model that was presented (see full video below), while allowing parents to choose the remote learning Plan C option. The motion stated in-person schooling would begin in two weeks on Monday, September 28.

The motion was seconded by board member Billy Davis. After a few questions for clarification, including could the schools be ready in time, the board voted on the motion. Board members Keith King, Bruce Hill, Merwyn Smith, Billy Davis, and Richard Bogan voted yes for the motion. Board members W.D. Anderson and Elijah Woods voted no.

Smith shared that his change to his vote had nothing to do with pressure or politics but, “researching and doing my due diligence.”