WCPS staff outline virtual-instruction plan for use after snow days, requires board authorization
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Willow presented a draft virtual instruction plan that would be available only after the district exhausts its six built-in snow days; Maryland requires four hours of synchronous instruction on virtual days and the board must later authorize superintendent use.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Willow presented a draft virtual-instruction plan intended as a contingency once the district exhausts its six scheduled snow days. She emphasized the plan is optional, would only be used if the board authorizes the superintendent to implement it after public comment, and would not replace normal in-person instruction except in such circumstances.
Dr. Willow explained Maryland State Board rules require four hours of synchronous instruction on virtual days. “The state policy requires 4 hours of synchronous instruction,” she said, and described synchronous activities as teacher‑student live interactions that can include small-group or one‑on‑one sessions rather than continuous whole‑group lecturing.
The plan includes expectations for students (attendance taken; cameras on during instruction when possible; two days to make up work for students without internet or power without penalty) and staff (teachers provide four hours of live instruction using Google Meet and Google Classroom; resident substitutes would cover absent teachers because they have district laptops). Buildings would remain available as remote-access sites for staff and students who lack home internet.
Dr. Willow said the district posted the draft online and opened a public survey; staff will pull community feedback into the next Friday packet. If the board chooses to move forward, the board must vote in a public meeting to authorize the superintendent to use virtual days when calendar days are exhausted and the district determines it is appropriate.
Board members asked clarifying questions about how the plan would be communicated and whether the district could label the virtual option differently from existing code‑orange/red messaging to avoid confusion. Staff said they will develop clear communication protocols and will not use virtual instruction on code‑red days (extreme conditions) while reserving the option for lesser but extended closures.
