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Board approves synchronous e-learning plan and accepts waiver to report 179 days
Summary
After extensive discussion about readiness, equity and logistics, trustees voted to accept a state waiver to report 179 days and to approve a shift from asynchronous to synchronous remote instruction for weather closures; board members requested a public demo before broad communication.
The Centerville-Abington board voted to accept a waiver that allows the district to report 179 instructional days and approved a plan to use synchronous remote instruction in place of asynchronous e-learning days when schools close for weather or other emergencies.
The presenter said a teacher/administrator committee reviewed options and trained staff; the district plans to require a minimum contact time for students (K–6: 2.5 hours with a teacher-present format; grades 7–12: three hours). The presenter also described a continuity plan: teachers will use links that students click to join class sessions, attendance will be taken by whether a student is logged in at the start of the session, and assignments missed during a closure will be due the next school day by midnight.
Board members raised concerns about equity and logistics for younger students (particularly third and fourth grades): potential problems include students who do not have devices at home, parents who are not present to assist, the need to log in hourly for some classes if licensing limits session length, and whether secretaries will be available to make attendance calls. A board member noted the district is reviewing licensing costs and mentioned an estimated figure discussed in the meeting for platform licensing.
Trustees asked that staff run a demonstration for the board (and one that could be viewed by parents) at the next meeting before the district issues broad communications; the presenter agreed to provide a demo and follow up with a cost estimate. The board first voted to accept the waiver to report 179 days (motion passed 5-0) and later approved the synchronous learning plan (motion passed 5-0) while the superintendent said he would delay sending final letters until he was comfortable with the implementation and demonstration.
