School Surveys: Woburn Families, Staff Support Hybrid Return

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools staff and families both said they would prefer a hybrid reopening model in the fall, according to survey results presented to the School Committee by Superintendent Matthew Crowley.

Surveys of both groups found over 40 percent in favor of a hybrid model, with both in-person and remote learning. Around a third of each group supported full in-person learning, followed by about a quarter favoring remote learning.

A sizable portion of families would remain remote in any scenario: 17 percent said that if the district opened for in-person learning, they would keep kids at home.

The district is preparing plans that fit all three models to submit to the state on July 31. Districts are expected to make a public announcement on Aug 10.

Crowley and School Committee members noted that all scenarios present drawbacks. Remote and hybrid learning presents both childcare and student engagement issues, while in-person and hybrid learning both risk the spread of the coronavirus.

The district conducted a feasibility study finding that three feet of distancing between students, as required by the state, is possible, although the cafeterias, science labs and some kindergarten classes present issues. The district would have to purchase desks for some kindergarten classes that use tables, among other modifications.

The district's first priority is safety and wellness, even over learning, the superintendent said.

The full meeting is available here, from Woburn Public Media Center.

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