In Fort Worth ISD, the school board is preparing to take another look at extending virtual learning this semester.
According to the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, the district is considering extending online learning through October 30, with in-person learning resuming on November 2. There's a plan to gradually bring students back on campus.
This meeting comes as several staff members at South Hills High School are quarantining this week after the district says they were exposed to COVID-19. The district would not say how many are affected.
The school was thoroughly cleaned over the weekend and is reopening for teachers and staff as scheduled Monday morning.
Earlier last week, the board voted down a plan to extend virtual learning four more weeks. That means as it stands – until the board votes otherwise – in-person learning would begin on October 5.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley spoke with NBC 5 to weigh in on the back to school issue. He said he knows school leaders face difficult choices right now but he wants to see kids back in the classroom.
“We've got to get them back in school. We've just got to get them back there. That's where they learn the best,” he said. “I know it's been a real tough decision for some of these school boards. I applaud them. And I know they've been working with our public health folks."
He also stressed the importance of masks and credit mask wearing as the reason behind flat COVID-19 numbers for the county last week.
Ahead of Tuesday's board meeting, the United Educators Association is planning a rally at 4:30 p.m.
They say staff and teachers will be speaking out against the plans for in-person learning and the added stress they've endured so far this school year.
The Fort Worth ISD board meeting is set to start at 5:30 p.m. and will be streamed on the district’s Youtube page and a Zoom link. Click here for instructions.
Anyone who wants to sign up for public comment can call 817-814-1956 until 5:30 PM the day of the meeting.
