The Allegheny Valley School Board this week rejected a proposal by Superintendent Pat Graczyk to return Acmetonia Elementary School students to in-person classroom learning four days a week.
The board voted 9-0 against the proposal Tuesday night. If the plan had been approved, K-6 students would have come back to classrooms Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with a virtual learning day on Wednesday.
Health concerns were among the reasons board members voted against the proposal with some raising questions about social distancing. But concerns were also raised about the lack of virtual learning options in place for students who would still prefer to stay at home.
“If we were to go full capacity at the elementary school, because the size in classes would increase to 20, 23 in a classroom, the teacher has to manage that class,” said Graczyk. “The reason why that’s challenging is that classroom management for younger kids is different.
“So, if there are one or two kids who still want to stay at home and watch that teacher’s lesson, we don’t have a solid plan in place for that yet.”
So, for now, a hybrid learning schedule will remain in place. It includes students attending in-person classes two days a week and remaining at home on their computers two other days.
“I believe that the board of directors acted in a very wise and prudent manner,” Graczyk said. “They examined the facts in front of them and, as I listened, I was in agreement with them. When nine board members are saying, ‘We don’t like this plan and these are the reasons why,’ reflecting on it, they were spot on.”
School board members did not immediately return calls Wednesday seeking comment. However, last Friday, school board member Paula Moretti told the Trib in an email that the board and administration put staff and student safety at the forefront of all decisions.
“We all realize the impact of the covid-19 obstacles in a full return to the classroom for everyone,” Moretti said. “As we inch forward, all staff, administration, parents, and the board take into consideration all factors and guidelines to fully reopen in the safest and educationally beneficial environment.”
