Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board declines to rescind virtual-learning policy after lengthy debate
Summary
A motion to rescind policy ABAC allowing virtual learning for weather or other conditions failed after board members debated student participation, household capacity and maintenance capacity for snow removal.
The Williston Basin School District No. 7 board debated and then rejected a motion on Jan. 8 to rescind policy ABAC, which permits virtual learning during certain weather or other events.
Board member Mr. Junt moved to rescind the policy, arguing that many students do not meaningfully participate in virtual learning on snow days. “There’s little to no learning occurring at home for a lot of these students,” another board member, Mr. John, said during the discussion. Several board members expressed concern that the district’s virtual days are uneven in their educational value: some households can support remote learning while others cannot.
Opponents of rescission urged caution. Miss Wheeler said removing the policy would eliminate a tool that avoids having to make up instructional days when the district faces events such as widespread power outages or prolonged hazardous conditions. She and others noted that maintaining the policy permits administrative flexibility — for example, choosing a late start or early dismissal instead of a full closure — and allows the district to continue improving the structure and expectations for virtual learning days.
District administrators and teachers’ representatives described existing practices for planning virtual days, including principal and teacher guidance, communications to families and expectations for student activity. Maintenance staff also informed the board that large snow events can require extensive on-site clearing — the district estimated roughly 100 man-hours were needed to clear facilities following the most recent storm — and that contracting snow removal for some sites would add expense if the district expects buildings open on short notice.
After discussion, the motion to rescind ABAC failed on a roll call: several board members voted against rescission and the motion did not pass. Board members agreed to request additional information and a possible presentation showing how virtual-learning days are structured and executed before considering future policy changes.
