Orange Grove ISD voted to rescind its controversial return-to-school plan Tuesday morning in a specially called board meeting.
The plan, which required students who want to participate in extracurricular UIL activities to attend classes in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerned parents, who showed up at 7:30 a.m. to voice their concerns.
“My kids did really well online schooling at the end of the year," said a parent present. "My daughter has been taking college classes all summer long, so my kids can do that. If my kids stayed home that'd be less students face to face with the teachers and they can socially distance in the class. But my kids need the socialization."
Online learning begins Aug. 10 for Orange Grove, and face-to-face classes are planned for Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day. Online learning will still be available to those who want it after in-person classes begin.
Many parents and teachers told the board they are in favor of students going back to school, but only if safety measures are taken.
“We are educators," said one teacher present. "We want to teach our students but in the safest way possible. While COVID-19 cases are still climbing in our community. That is easily done through remote instruction."
Faculty and students' safety were discussed along with safety guidelines it looks to implement as the novel coronavirus lingers: making sure everyone is wearing a mask, has access to hand sanitizer, and are following social distancing guidelines.