Preparations continue for school reopening in Mon County

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The start date for public schools in Mon County has been pushed from August 20 to September 8 by Governor Jim justice to allow administrators more time to prepare building and lesson plans.

On Talkine, Mon County superintendent Dr. Eddie Campbell says they are glad to have the additional time.

“We had prepared for our original August 20 opening and we felt really good about the plan we put together for that,” Dr. Campbell said,”This is going to give us about three more weeks to prepare, so I definitely think we’re going to be ready to open school.”

Preparations include examining and enhancing online instruction if the pandemic forces officials to close school buildings and the layout of each individual building.

“One-way hallways, one-way stairwells, entrance and exits to bathrooms being designed so we don’t have to cross paths,” Dr. Campbell said,”Signage, making sure our signage is good so all the students understand the protocols related to hand washing.”

Campbell concedes that the plan is just that, a plan. If the current spike worsens or new directives are issued by state officials the start date could be moved for a third time.

“There was a document released today that said 75-percent of the cases in Monongalia County are in the age range of 18 to 29 years old, 265 is the count on that age range,” Dr. Campbell said,”And that’s concerning for us.”

If classes start on September 8 Campbell says that will mark six months without face-to-face contact between students and teachers.

“To go six months without being able to provide your students with direct instruction is just incredible,” Dr. Campbell said,”In fact, in our minds we’re losing a generation of kids if we can’t get them back in school.”

Campbell and his staff are aware some parents, or students may choose virtual learning over the in-person option this fall.

“We’ll be sending out a very short survey in a week or so to try to gauge how many parents are looking at a virtual option,” Dr. Campbell said,”And we’ll work with the West Virginia Department of Education on their virtual learning program and getting kids set up.”