The Christian County School Board approved a reopening plan at Thursday’s meeting that would bring all students back to school five-days a week in-person.
Christian County students will return to in-person instruction on January 6, on a traditional, five- days a week model as opposed to the alternating day schedule that was occurring before. It would be on an “aggressive” advisory model that would keep middle and high school students in one classroom throughout the day, instead of moving to different classes throughout the buildings. Assistant Superintendent Laura Morris says that’s in line with new state recommendations, due to the county being ‘red’ on the state incidence rate map.
This does not include students who are enrolled in the Virtual Learning Academy, with Bentzel saying there are many who have chosen to return in-person from VLA.
Superintendent Chris Bentzel gave the recommendation with the promise that they will continue to monitor all health and safety data closely.
He says he makes this recommendation to get students back in school and hopefully back on track with their education.
He says they’re learning more all the time about a possible timeline for COVID-19 vaccines to become available to local educators—possibly within the next two months—and they are encouraging staff to get the vaccine, not mandating. The ‘aggressive’ advisory model would be in place for 8 days, then would be under advisement to change in the following days. The board approved the plan, with member Tom Bell the lone ‘no’ vote.
The board bid farewell to outgoing member Linda Killer and Susan Hayes, who were each presented with an award for their years of service dedicated to Christian County and its students.