After receiving what Carson City School Superintendent Richard Stokes called an “overwhelming” response to the proposal to return all students to in-person, on-campus instruction five days per week, the Carson City School Board voted Monday night to keep its current model in place for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year with six members voting in favor and Trustee Don Carine abstaining.
The proposal received approximately 91 submitted public comments primarily against the possibility of bringing all students back full-time in person five days for the remainder of the school year as of May 3.
Stokes said Monday at the board meeting the most recent announcement from Gov. Steve Sisolak to return the control of COVID-19 mitigation measures to local jurisdictions, including the Carson City School District, brought forth a number of issues for the school district to consider for operations, families and students along with some opportunities to weigh the pros and cons of bringing high school students back for a month of classes before the end of the school year, including seniors due to graduate, those who have found employment or have committed themselves to other activities outside the classroom or have expressed other challenges returning for the short amount of time.
Those who did submit comment either in favor of or against the proposal for Monday’s discussion included 19 parents in opposition, three parents in favor, eight individuals from the Ormsby County Education Association representing teachers and other licensed education professionals in opposition, two staff members in favor, 50 students in opposition and nine high school members in favor of returning for four days per week, Stokes shared.
Stokes, stressing that every child remains on track with their education wherever they’re at is most important, said high school students now at this time of year can receive the help they need if students or families have questions.
“For me, one of the issues of importance is coming down to the wire of the school year and providing enough time,” Stokes said. “I know there are not many days left should we change the schedule. So regardless of tonight’s outcome, I would make a plea to any school or family who believes their child may be in danger for a class to contact their school’s guidance counselor if you feel you may not have a relationship with to make sure they have any credits due to you.”
