The Rutherford County School Board unanimously votes to begin schools in August on a traditional schedule, with social distancing & other considerations. One of the considerations voted on Thursday (July 9) includes allowing parents the option to choose a distance-learning option. Parents would need to commit to a semester of the option they choose to assist with the logistics of scheduling students and teachers to classes.

Board Member Coy Young:

Board member Jeff Jordan echoed the comments of Young and others:

Under the proposal, students would return to school beginning the week of August 10. However, the board plans to consider conducting phase-in days during the first week of school to allow students to adjust to the new health guidelines and to allow school personnel to make adjustments. The Board will discuss the option for phase-in days at a special-called meeting on July 21.

The Board will also discuss the requirements for masks for students and employees at the July 21 meeting.

Over the next couple of weeks, Director of Schools Bill Spurlock and his staff will fine-tune the details and logistics of the plan and parents will be kept informed for planning purposes.

There was a public comment time before the meeting, with several sharing their thoughts. Teacher Paige Miller says she does not feel comfortable returning to the classroom like normal:

The board had several options to consider. Traditional, hybrid and distance learning. Hybrid was a combination of in classroom and online. Matt Roe, who works for the sheriff's department and is a single parent after his wife's passing in March, pleaded with the board to do anything but the hybrid:

Lee Doughtie, parent of a high schooler, spoke in support of a traditional start:

Craig Myers, parent of a 10-year old at Campus School, asked the board to approve the traditional plan as well:

Stay with WGNS for continuing coverage of the start to school for Rutherford County students.