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As we face the many challenges of opening West Virginia schools under pandemic conditions, we must not lose sight of underlying problems arising from other causes. High among those problems is the matter of keeping schools adequately staffed with competent professionals and service personnel.
The demographics are alarming.
With West Virginia’s aging population, it is no surprise that our school personnel are also maturing. According to information from the state Department of...
By Ryan Quinn, Charleston Gazette-Mail
August 20, 2020
Estimates suggest parents and caregivers of West Virginia pre-K through 12th-grade public school students are overwhelmingly sending their children back into classrooms this fall, despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to the state Department of Education.
Despite an online-only option offered to all, state Schools Superintendent Clayton Burch said Wednesday the latest numbers project that...
By Brad McElhinny, WV MetroNews
August 18, 2020
As a high school civics teacher and a state delegate, Cody Thompson had a prime opportunity to ask a very practical question: How can social distancing be accomplished in an aging school with 28 students in the classroom?
“Is it, like, six feet between students? Can I put them in rows?” Thompson, a Democrat from Randolph County, asked state Superintendent Clayton Burch.
Burch responded in detail,...
By Alex Thomas, WV MetroNews
August 17, 2020
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — County clerks across West Virginia have begun accepting absentee ballot requests for the general election, a new option for many voters compared to previous election seasons.
Registered voters will not receive an application to receive a ballot like the June primary election, but they can cite the coronavirus pandemic as a reason for voting by mail.
According to ...
By Brad McElhinny, WV MetroNews
August 14, 2020
Based on a survey of its members, the West Virginia Education Association is asking districts to start this year with distance learning until it’s more certain schools can adhere to precautions meant to suppress the spread of coronavirus.
“Based upon that, the WVEA and its members are urging school districts to err on the side of caution and begin the school year with distance learning,” teachers union...