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Board debates makeup days vs. e‑learning after icy roads leave some students without bus service
Summary
Superintendent Fitzpatrick defended using a makeup day (Feb. 16) rather than e‑learning for parts of the district; trustees and staff raised concerns about students who rely on buses on icy roads and about notification and after‑hours contact options.
The board discussed consequences of last month’s weather after operations and the superintendent recommended prioritizing in‑person makeup days over e‑learning.
"I would like to, in the future, use our makeup days first... and then students if we don't have more than 3, those students are learning face to face the best way to learn," Fitzpatrick said, arguing that in‑person instruction is superior to remote learning.
Several trustees pushed back about equity for students who rely on bus transport in areas where icy roads prevented buses from running. Trustee Johnny Surratt Jr. said existing e‑learning often amounts to "busy work" and voiced concern that some students lack reliable support to complete assignments at home.
Operations staff described a new log identifying roads that stay icy longer and explained that the district also uses the Real Share (PowerSchool) notification system; trustees suggested adding an after‑hours phone line or an emergency live chat to improve parent access to timely information about closures and delays.
The board confirmed a makeup day for Feb. 16 to replace one lost to weather and discussed refining the district policy so that school closures and makeup decisions better balance safety and access.
