MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Multiple education governing bodies will continue with having virtual lessons as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Monongalia County Schools will remain on remote learning through Feb. 12 because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Monongalia County Board of Education on Tuesday voted to continue with virtual lessons, citing multiple concerns from educators and community members about the safety of schools amid rising coronavirus case numbers.
When the period ends, the school system will have three options for learning: virtual lessons through the school system, virtual lessons through the state or a hybrid model of in-person and online classes.
Board president Nancy Walker said the proposed start date provides enough time for employees 50 years old and older to receive a second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
“They get their second dose Feb. 12, then we would have had 750 people with both vaccines,” she said.
The start date would allow winter sports teams to begin practices in accordance with statewide guidance.
The Cabell County Board of Education voted to start with a blended model on Jan. 20, in which students will alternate between in-person and remote learning.
The Brooke County Board of Education voted Monday to continue with remote lessons through the rest of January because of a high rate of coronavirus cases in the county.
Gov. Jim Justice has pushed school systems to start face-to-face instruction on Jan. 19 for elementary and middle school students. The state Board of Education will consider a motion at its Wednesday meeting to allow school systems to continue with blended learning.