While the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board voted Aug. 3 for a hybrid plan to open schools next month, the Chester County Health Department is suggesting that be changed.
Superintendent of Schools John Sanville sent a message Friday that the health department is recommending classes be held virtually through Oct. 9.
“After careful consideration, I will be making a recommendation to the school board on Monday [Aug. 17] to follow the CCHD guidance to start the school year virtually through Oct. 9,” Sanville said in his message.
He went on to say that contingency plans for the change have already been developed and that “We will share more details with you very soon - including how we plan to service our students with special needs.”
“The CCHD feels that a virtual start will mitigate any impact anticipated by increased cases due to the end of the summer holiday and ensures school districts have the necessary time to implement the reopening guidance set forth by the CCHD,” Sanville said.
Here is his full message:
Dear UCF Families,
Just last night, I received word from the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) that they are recommending that schools in Chester County and Delaware County begin their academic year virtually through October 9, 2020. While the Chester County Health Department supports the metrics released by the state earlier this week, they have provided more detailed thresholds representing community transmission and the recommended corresponding instructional models that drive in-person vs. virtual instruction. Click here to review the metrics and the most recent guidance from the CCHD.
The CCHD feels that a virtual start will mitigate any impact anticipated by increased cases due to the end of the summer holiday, and ensures school districts have the necessary time to implement the reopening guidance set forth by the CCHD.
After careful consideration, I will be making a recommendation to the school board on Monday to follow the CCHD guidance to start the school year virtually through October 9, 2020.
I know this information is discouraging for many in our community. I have been transparent in my belief that bringing students back to school in some fashion is the best decision for our students. However, this recent recommendation from the CCHD causes us to temporarily push pause on our plans to reopen with in-person instruction and we now refocus our efforts on a virtual start. During this time, we will closely monitor data in Chester County and continue to refine our internal processes.
Contingency plans for a virtual start have already been developed. Our team will take the next few weeks to finalize our Continuity of Education Plan for remote learning. We will share more details with you very soon - including how we plan to service our students with special needs.
Please know that we are undeterred in our firm commitment to student and staff safety. We will revisit our Health and Safety Plan as we prepare for what school will look like from October 9, 2020, and beyond - of course, all pending further guidance from the CCHD.
I remain hopeful for the future and being able to safely see our students in-person sooner rather than later. I appreciate your understanding in these uncertain times.
Kind Regards,
John Sanville
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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