PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Portsmouth School Board has delayed making a decision on a return-to-classroom plan, opting to keep remote learning as-is for the immediate future.
During a school board meeting Thursday night, the board declined to set dates for students in any grade level to return to in-person learning.
Instead, the board asked Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy to make a presentation on a hybrid model at a special meeting on Feb. 25. They’ll make a decision on returning to the classroom on March 4.
The discussion comes as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pushes for all public schools in the state to offer some form of in-person learning for some students by March 15.
Some divisions, like Hampton, Newport News and Norfolk, have already made plans to get at least some students back in the classroom in the next month.
Students in Portsmouth have been learning 100% remotely since the school year began last fall. Portsmouth schools have been cautious in making a move toward in-person learning.
In early January, the school board decided it would again delay students’ return to in-person learning until COVID-19 cases decreased in the city. The benchmark set by the division was to see below a 10% positivity rate in the city for 10 consecutive days.
Portsmouth Health District Director Dr. Lauren James presented on Thursday report findings from a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It showed minimal clusters of infection when COVID-19 mitigation measures were in place.
“If the schools choose to go forward, it has been shown that it can go safely and that children do not lead the transmission,” James said.
Some board members were in support of a return.
“I would like us to take a look at a possible hybrid model starting probably after spring break,” said board member LaKeesha “Klu” Atkinson.
Others said they’re still not comfortable with reopening schools. The city’s percent positivity rate is 18%.
“I’ve also read emails from teachers and some of them are very concerned,” said board member Dr. Ingrid Whitaker.
“I think the biggest question for everyone is just what is our readiness and what is our plan,” said board member Yolanda Thomas.
In mid-December, Portsmouth Public Schools also canceled all athletic practices through winter break in response to a rising number of COVID-19 cases.
More than half of all PPS employees have received their first vaccine dose. The division hopes to have everyone who wants it fully vaccinated by the end of March.
Stay with WAVY.com for updates.