The Logan County Board of Education delayed any decision on in-person instruction during Thursday night’s board meeting.
The board previously adopted a blended learning model in anticipation of school beginning earlier this month. The blended model provided for smaller classes attending in-person two days a week and utilizing virtual learning the other days
Governor Jim Justice unveiled the color-coded school alert map with Logan County in the “red” category, the most heightened restriction category. Logan gradually attained “orange” status.
Board members voted unanimously last month to begin the school year remotely due to concern surrounding the threat of COVID-19 infections rising. That decision was originally scheduled to be evaluated this Monday, September 21.
On Tuesday, Governor Justice added a “gold” status for counties on the School Reentry Map. Logan has been “gold” ever since.
Thursday’s meeting was called to address new guidelines and a potential return to the classroom.
The board met in special session for over two hours.
Members mulled over issues ranging from personal protective equipment supplies to the shortcomings of internet access in some parts of the county.
Board member Barry Mullins questioned how many employees have been quarantined due to possible exposure to the virus.
Assistant Superintendent Darlene Dingess-Adkins reported 24 employees were under quarantine out of approximately 800 employees. Eleven employees entered quarantine Thursday.
Mullins said the virus threat is worse than he first thought.
“I’ve had a change of heart since I’ve sat down here tonight,” Mullins said. “It is worse than I ever thought to tell you the truth.”
Ultimately, board members did not change course from the remote learning that has been in place since school began September 8.
Board members will have another opportunity to address the situation during their Tuesday meeting.
All extra-curricular and athletic activities are suspended in accordance with the West Virginia Department of Education mandate. Schools not actively attending in-person class are automatically placed in the “red” category for the highest restrictions.
The newest School Entry map from the state department of education will be released Saturday evening at 5 o’clock.