Point Pleasnt Boro Deals With Multiple School Concerns Amid COVID

POINT PLEASANT BORO – The Point Pleasant Boro School District said it is dealing with multiple concerns as it prepares to reopen on Sept. 8.

Superintendent Vincent Smith said the district has heard the concerns parents have had about its hybrid model of learning, which will require students to spend less time in the classroom. Read more: More Details Released On Point Pleasant Boro's School Reopen Plan

Smith also said the district is reviewing nine requests from teachers and staff to take leave or work remotely. Twenty-six such requests have been approved so far. Read more: 26 Teacher, Staff Remote, Leave Requests In Point Pleasant Boro

"We have not dismissed anybody's concerns," Smith said. "We're at a different time."

Smith, speaking during a recent meeting, noted that some parents have expressed concerns about how the hybrid model will force them to search for some form of daycare.

Smith said the ideal plan "would be us to be in five days a week, doing what we do normally."

"But that's not possible and we looked at all different options," he said.

Smith said a recent district's survey showed that the hybrid plan was the most popular choice for parents. Two other options that were discussed were: going entirely remote; or going back five days a week, with 25 kids in a classroom, all wearing masks.

"It was decided that wouldn't be an option," he said of the full-time option.

Smith said the plan that was chosen is "something we're comfortable with but there's still work to be done."

"At this point in time, I feel like we're ready to go," Smith said of the hybrid plan. "We'll continue to work at it. We'll continue to tweak it."

Smith said the district is still working on the remote learning piece, and Point Boro is still waiting for laptops and Chrome books to be delivered.

"There will be training involved for our staff," he said "Our teachers have worked hard and long on that remote learning plan."