The Rockwood School District will start the upcoming school year 100 percent online, after all.
Board of Education members voted 6-1 Thursday night (August 6) to change the district’s plans an only offer online instruction when the new school year starts Aug. 24.
The Rockwood district has 29 schools, including Eureka High School, LaSalle Springs Middle School, and Eureka, Blevins and Geggie elementary schools, as well as three early childhood centers and an individualized learning center for high schools students.
Board member Tom Dunn cast the only dissenting vote. During the meeting, Dunn said he believes the district should continue with the plan announced July 20, which included an option for students to attend in-person classes two days a week and virtual classes the remaining school days, as well as an option for strictly virtual learning, where the students would stay home all five days.
Board member Jaime Bayes, who joined the meeting by video, voted in favor of changing the plan, as did board members Loralee Mondl, Lynne Midyett, Keith Kinder, Randy Miller and Tamara Jo Rhomberg.
During the meeting, Superintendent Mark Miles asked the board to entertain a motion to start the year online.
“The challenge before us is that none of us can control this pandemic,” he said.
After the meeting, Miles sent a letter to parents said the change in plans was the result of several factors.
“Over the last few days, we’ve spoken to health officials regarding current public health mandates and guidelines for safety in schools. We’ve also heard from local officials about the restrictions placed upon St. Louis County to help contain the spread of the virus,” he said in the letter. “In addition, we have realized significant logistical challenges related to scheduling a hybrid-education model. Based on these concerns, we have made a change.
The meeting attracted about 15 parents and students, and 13 parents spoke to the board about how they wanted to see the school year begin. One parent said she favored starting the year with only online learning, and the other 12 speakers asked the board to keep the two-day option or move to a five-day week.
“We realize this change will be a disappointment for families who chose the in-person experience,” Miles said in the letter. “I am disappointed as well. Rockwood staff spent countless hours trying to find a safe way to bring our students back to the classroom to start the school year.”
For more about Rockwood’s decision, read the Aug. 20 Eureka Leader.
