Greenfield Schools To Go Back 'Fully Virtual' In Fall

GREENFIELD, WI — Citing a need to protect teachers, students and staff's potential exposure to COVID-19, the Greenfield School Board voted to start the fall 2020 school semester fully virtual at all grade levels.

Though the board voted to start fully virtual, it's actually the beginning of a phased-in approach that will eventually transition to a hybrid or in-person model later in the year pending health department recommendations. Board officials said they would first review the next step in a potential phased-in model at a Sep. 28 school board meeting.

The board also voted to review next steps in a phased-in model at all subsequent school board meetings after Sep. 28. At the same time, the board voted to keep up with state and local health regulations as they pertain to school safety.

"We heard a lot tonight about the work and planning by our admin team, teacher leaders, and various employees in the district. They recognize their job is a huge responsibility," Andy Misorski, Board Treasurer, said Monday night. "They come to work in this field with passion and love every day. More than anything, they do not want to let down their students, parents and community members."

Misorski said there was a high level of fear and anxiety about returning to work in the current environment. Misorski cited a Wisconsin Teacher's Association survey in which 161 local teachers responded. He said 89 percent of those teachers had "significant concerns" about coming back to work.

"That's very problematic, we can't have employees afraid to come to work. That's a big deal," he said.

The board also voted to move the school start date back to Sept. 8 for a variety of reasons.

It will provide parents an additional week to think about childcare if that's a need," Superintendent Lisa Elliott said. "We're also going to have to do some hiring now that we are going with that virtual-only option."

You can watch the entire school board meeting here: