Students back-in-school plan heard by Board

Before COVID-19, Back to School was a late summer ad campaign.

But now, with winter having arrived, the key issue remains the conditions for making schools safe enough for students to return on a limited basis.

La Conner Schools, like districts around the nation, has conducted on-line instruction this fall to stem spread of the coronavirus. Just how much longer that format will remain in place remains unclear, but key decisions could be made next month. They were discussed at the Dec. 14 teleconferenced La Conner School Board meeting.

Based on less stringent disease metrics for school districts announced last week by Gov. Jay Inslee, there is growing optimism that a consensus can be reached here in January on a hybrid back-to-school model for the elementary campus.

The Skagit County spike in COVID-19 cases raises the question of timing for starting in-person classes.

“We want a plan for going back to school,” said Susie Gardner Deyo, who was re-elected as board chair.

Director of Special Programs Andy Wheeler said the blue-ribbon committee he facilitates has been working toward that end.

“A hybrid back to school plan is in progress,” Wheeler said. “Hopefully, we can have a plan after our Jan. 5 meeting.”

A safe balance between enhancing student achievement and maintaining public health must be found

“In-person instruction is more effective,” Wheeler stressed, while adding that “we’re at or close to a third peak (in COVID-19 cases) now.

“How much risk are we willing to take?” he asked. “My nightmare is that we start school and someone’s parent or grandparent, or a teacher dies. It’s a real fear I have. It’s all about acceptable risk.

Wheeler noted setbacks arise when students are called back but then must return to remote learning when COVID-19 cases rebound.

“We don’t want to come back to school and go backward,” he cautioned. “Other neighboring districts have done that.”

Board members praised the work La Conner teachers and staff are doing delivering lessons remotely, though expressed concern with potential long-term consequences of putting in-person instruction on hold.

“I don’t feel our kids are making the connections they should be making,” Board Member Amanda Bourgeois said. “I’m hoping we have a game plan (for reopening school) soon to get the ball rolling.”

“We’re losing kids,” said Board Member J.J. Wilbur. “Their education is suffering. I think it’s important to bring kids back with (safety) guidelines in place.”

Board Member John Agen endorsed a thorough planning process for reopening school.

“I’m eager to get back to school if it’s safe,” Agen said. “It seems to me others have started and had to step back. It’s not a slam dunk.”

Deyo said a school reopening plan would require universal support among district stakeholders.

Board Student Representatives Avery Sloniker and MacQuaid Hiller concurred.

“I’m concerned about the teachers,” Sloniker said. “Any in-person (instruction) would add stress. We need teacher input.”

“Right now,” said Hiller, “I’m a little iffy about going back.”

Wheeler said prior surveys have rendered mixed results on re-opening. He said over 25% of those responding favor retaining remote learning this year while assessing conditions for in-person classes next fall. About a third of those who took the survey support a hybrid instructional format.

“We’re ready to support what you’re building,” Deyo said as Board Members encouraged Wheeler and his committee to continue their work.

Fourth grade teachers Megan Funk and Cammy Alumbres and middle school science and fitness teacher Maddie Huscher presented “A Day in the Life” of on-line instruction, showing a chart comparing successes and challenges of remote learning and expressed gratitude for efforts made by students and their families. “We couldn’t do it without the parents,” Funk said. “We know they’re juggling a lot.”