Coronavirus: EVSC reacts to 'extraordinary' move to virtual instruction for rest of year
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — After weeks of uncertainty, more than 1 million of Indiana's K-12 students will finish the remaining school year online.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick directed all schools to remain closed through the academic year Thursday due to the continued spread of COVID-19.
The call by McCormick follows previous instructions by Gov. Eric Holcomb last month, who directed state schools to suspend in-person instruction until May 1. However, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths has increased the last several weeks.
On Thursday, the Indiana Department of Health reported 13 new deaths, making it 78 deaths total throughout the state. And more than 3,000 people have tested positive for the deadly disease.
With the state's decision, Indiana became the 11th state to close schools through the remaining school year. Students will complete all required school work from their homes, either through virtual classes or paper packets.
Like previous closures, there will be uncertainty concerning what the announcement will mean for graduations, prom and other yearly events. State officials have yet to make any decisions, but further postponements or cancellations are likely.
Following Thursday's announcement, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. later addressed the state's decision.
"We are grateful for the announcement today," EVSC spokesman Jason Woebkenberg said. "We now know where we're going moving forward."
With the extended closure, Woebkenberg said the corporation will continue to provide virtual instruction to reach 160 school days, which is the number of days required this year in response to COVID-19.
EVSC will release an adjusted schedule at a later date outlining virtual learning days and the use of state waiver days, designed to give local educators time to prepare for online instruction.
During an EVSC podcast Thursday, Superintendent David Smith said high school seniors on track to graduate and enrolled in traditional classes needed for their requirements can essentially consider themselves done for the remaining year based on Thursday's announcement. But those enrolled in dual-credit classes will need to complete their courses to receive college credit.
Woebkenberg said high school prom events will not take place, but schools may consider "creative virtual alternatives." The EVSC will also look for ways to hold commencement ceremonies to honor students graduating high school.
Evansville Teachers Association President MichaelRust said local teachers are disappointed, but understand the state's decision.
"It wasn't unexpected considering the predicament our country and state is in at this time," Rust said.
EVSC teachers, administrators and other personnel are working diligently to educate students virtually, Rust said. Currently, the district is utilizing state waiver days issued by Gov. Holcomb to further prepare for online instruction.
Rust said the ETA will organize meetings over the next two weeks to see how they can support teachers and students during this time.
"These are uncharted waters in extraordinary times," he said. "It is new to all of us in how we respond to it.
"This support right now is wide open."
WCSC made the call 2 weeks ago
The EVSC, along with other Indiana schools, joins the Warrick County School Corp. in its decision to conduct virtual learning days until the end of the academic year.
WCSC Superintendent Brad Schneider announced the corporation would suspend in-person instruction through the school year on March 20 — nearly two weeks before Thursday's announcement.
Schneider previously told the Courier & Press that the district will use a combination of virtual learning and waiver days through the end of the school year, ending on May 20.
WCSC schools will coordinate a date bi-weekly for the return of assignments from virtual learning days and academic packets. Parents will also be directed to pick up learning packets, which will include four days of instructional material for each week.
"We feel this is in the best interest of our students in keeping them healthy and staff. Our staff, parents, our community, our priority is their health and welfare," he said.