MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Schools in Monongalia County will remain on all-remote instruction until the the end of the fall semester, Jan. 20, according to Monongalia County School Superintendent Dr. Eddie Campbell.
Campbell said the decision was made to provide clarity and safety to families and staff.
“Our numbers continue to rise. Yesterday when the map changed we were at the highest infection rate that we’ve seen since the pandemic started,” Campbell said during an appearance Wednesday on WAJR’s ‘Talk of the Town. “Our daily positivity rate was almost at 7.”
The spike experienced across the state following the Thanksgiving holiday raises concerns, Campbell said, and now with multiple holiday events approaching and many people opting to travel the decision is out of caution.
“If you start counting out the 10 to 14 days after New Year’s Day it puts us right at the close of our first semester,” Campbell said.
The 2020 school year has been challenges never faced before by families and educators, Campbell said. The pressure has resulted in lawsuits, union disputes and a drop in enrollment.
“We want to be fair to parents. We also want our teachers to have as much notice as possible so they can begin to shift gears mentally and know where they’re going to be at following the Christmas break,” Campbell said.
Vaccine survey
State education officials have asked Monongalia County educators and others across the state to complete a survey regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be available in a matter of weeks.
“The educators will be receiving the Moderna vaccine,” Campbell said. “It could be ready for us to start injecting as early as December 27.”
Campbell said while the hope of a vaccine is encouraging, the thought of actually taking the two-part shot can be concerning to some. The vaccinations are not mandatory.
“I think it’s going to be highly encouraged but I think there’s going to be some time,” Campbell said. “People are already being injected, so we as educators are inquisitive by nature so we’re going to be watching it closely.”