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Board debates e‑learning, makeup days and bus access after icy weather
Summary
Trustees and the superintendent debated using makeup days versus e‑learning after icy roads disrupted bus service; trustees raised equity concerns for students who rely on buses and requested improved parent communication and after‑hours contact options.
Trustees pressed district leadership about the decision to use a three‑hour delay and the district’s approach to makeup days and e‑learning after a recent weather event. Several trustees said e‑learning assignments had been "busy work" and that students who rely on buses may be left behind when buses cannot reach icy roads.
"E learning, of course, is not optimal for student, you know, learning," Superintendent Robert Fitzpatrick said, arguing that face‑to‑face makeup days are preferable when possible. Trustees and staff discussed excused absences for students who could not reach bus pickup points, the need for clearer communications and whether the district should provide an after‑hours phone number for families seeking information about closures or delays.
Board members thanked operations staff for quick fixes to water leaks and praised the decision to prioritize safety; they also asked staff to consider improved notification workflows so families without reliable social media access can get timely answers.
