By Jade Fadrowski
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore County Board of Education said Tuesday 52,000 students participated in virtual learning sessions in math and reading this summer as concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic kept school buildings closed.
“In regard to virtual learning, it is a big adjustment and so we just ask that we all are patient and encouraging to our students and staff as they embark on this with their hearts wanting to be connected with their students but they have to do it this way for this time,” said Chair Kathleen Causey.
As of June 30, Baltimore County had a positivity rate of 5.65 percent, and the number of cases was 7,985, which prompted schooling to go virtual.
With the first week of virtual learning for the fall 2020 school year, officials said parents have raised concerns about experiencing technological issues and the possibility of their children missing out on instruction.
“We’ve worked diligently to find devices to put in the hands of students,” said John Offerman, a member-at-large. “We’ve been working with our ticketing system to have devices delivered to schools so students can come back to their school, drop off their device that’s nonfunctional and swap it with a known good device.”
Board members agreed that virtual learning will come with its challenges but stressed that teachers and students are determined to make this school year great.
“Our teachers spent the first week supporting and implementing social, emotional learning,” said Community Superintendent Christina Byers. “Our students were ready, focused and engaged.”
Amid COVID-19, BCPS officials planned summer learning programs for students. These programs included extended year learning programs, English for speakers of other languages, extended school year, school re-engagement, title one extended learning opportunities, and summer learning hike.
More than 52,000 students participated in a virtual learning hike to practice math and reading. Faculty and staff wanted to provide students with the best start possible during these difficult times, officials said.
Baltimore County Public School staff from the Offices of Food and Nutritional Services collaborated with Transportation Services to provide more than 1.9 million meals to students during the summer. Meals are being distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays now through Dec. 31, officials said.
When students return to face-to-face learning, 87 schools will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost with the help of the Community Eligibility Provision, officials said.
The board meeting began with a focus on the unplanned topic of equity. Board members had a heated discussion about an equity audit presentation report.
“It’s not business as usual,” said Moalie Jose, a member-at-large. “It’s not back to school as usual. We’re coming off of COVID-19 and there has been discrepancies and gaps that have happened for our students.”
Jose continued, “I’m looking at us being proactive where the gaps are and addressing them at the beginning of the school year as opposed to waiting later in the school year.”
Board members agreed that equity needed to be discussed but were hesitant.
“I would fully support adding this to the meeting for next week, so board members have time to prepare and ask thoughtful questions,” said Vice Chair Julie Henn. “I support putting this at the forefront of our work, but I feel unprepared to have this discussion tonight. I feel it’s unfair to ask staff to also deliver it tonight”
In a roll call vote, members voted in favor of adjusting the agenda. The agenda was accepted as amended.