The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are going to be felt for decades to come in a variety of arenas.
From the ripple effect on the economy, to the impact on daily life and social interactions, there is no way to know how the virus will shape the future.
One thing is very clear, however, as communities across the country begin to ease restrictions related to COVID-19 and get back to some form of pre-pandemic normalcy – The public education system needs some serious attention.
On Monday night the Macon County Board of Education voted to put students back in classrooms on a “Plan A” schedule as of April 5 with mask requirements in place and limited social distancing. Students in the Franklin area will now be able to attend class in person either four or five days per week (depending on the school they attend), just as students in Highlands and Nantahala have since the beginning of the 2020 school year.
Superintendent Chris Baldwin noted that he had several parents reach out to him in favor of getting students back into the classroom under “Plan A.” That of course is understandable seeing as students have been battling through a “Plan B” schedule that only allows for two days of in-person instruction each week.
Coordinating multiple students schedules, which vary by the school they attend and grade level, has been a pain in the neck for parents. It’s been frustrating for students, teachers and administrators alike to navigate “virtual learning.”
Nobody enjoyed “Plan B,” but it was the best option the school board was given by the state when the academic year began. The board has done its best throughout the pandemic of handling the ever-changing state guidelines.
While countless lessons have gone by the wayside for public school students since the school buildings were shuttered in March 2020, one lesson we can take away is that there is no substitute for being prepared.
Eventually another situation will arise and make virtual learning necessary, so before that day comes lets hope our leaders in government have the foresight to give public schools the tools they need to weather the storm better than they did during COVID-19.