La Conner Schools plan late online start

La Conner Schools is bracing to enter a virtual new world this fall.

A local blue-ribbon Back-to-School committee has recommended starting with an on-line model with the option of small groups meeting in campus buildings. This is in response to health and safety concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The panel has received input from parents, students, school staff and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community representatives since its mid-July start.

The committee suggests a slight delay in opening to provide teachers and families opportunities to train and become familiar with distance learning t...