During a recent government meeting, the board discussed the approval of a virtual learning day plan for the 2024-2025 school year, prompted by new state legislation governing virtual education. The plan, presented by Dr. Miller, aims to align with Maryland's updated regulations, which restrict virtual learning primarily to inclement weather situations.
Dr. Miller emphasized that the law mandates a minimum of four hours of synchronous learning and requires schools to utilize designated makeup days for inclement weather before implementing virtual learning. This clarification was necessary as community feedback indicated some confusion regarding the new provisions.
The board acknowledged the community's input, which was nearly evenly split between supporters and opponents of the plan. Board member Rodney expressed gratitude for the thoughtful comments received, highlighting their importance in shaping the final decision.
After a motion was made and seconded, the board engaged in a brief discussion, underscoring the urgency of submitting the plan to the state by the end of November, especially with the potential for inclement weather on the horizon. The board's commitment to considering community feedback while adhering to legal requirements was evident as they moved forward with the approval process.