Wilmington School Committee Could Vote On Return Plans March 17

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington's School Committee could vote on a move to more in-person learning as soon as March 17, the superintendent suggested at the committee's most recent meeting.

Superintendent Glenn Brand told the School Committee Feb. 23 about planning underway for a potential full return to in-person school.

Brand's presentation came a day after state officials said they want to see elementary students in school full-time as early as April, but he said he would have given the same presentation anyway.

"There are a host of logistical realities we need to consider," Brand noted, including personnel needs and planning for mask breaks and meals.

But district officials want to return to in-person learning "as quickly as possible," he said. Brand cited remote learning's "toll on academic and social and emotional well-being" and the low level of in-school transmission.

"In approximately five months' time, we have seen little in-school spread, at least here in Wilmington," Brand said.

More in-person learning was made easier by revised transportation from the state, removing restrictions on the number of students per school bus, the superintendent said.

Brand's presentation reflected similar statements by Gov. Charlie Baker and the state education chief Jeffrey Riley.

"It continues to be vital to get as many students back in school as possible, preferably before the end of the year," education department Commissioner Jeff Riley said Feb. 23.

The state Board of Education is scheduled to vote Friday on emergency regulations granting Riley to determine when hybrid and remote models will no longer count towards required student learning time hours.

In Wilmington, surveys of staff and families are underway to determine interest in in-person learning. District officials are assessing buildings for how many students they can accommodate with 3- or 6-foot distancing.

The School Committee voted unanimously Feb. 24 to have Chair Jennifer Bryson send a letter to the teachers union to schedule a meeting to discuss full in-person return.

Brand said he plans to deliver a report to the committee on March 10 ahead of a decision on March 17 or 24.

The full meeting is available here from WCTV.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.