Richland Schools Delay MS, HS Students til 2nd Semester
Richland has delayed the return of middle and high school students again, this time claiming they will aim for the start of 2nd semester after the new year.
At Tuesday night's school board meeting the board flip flopped on several votes, The board claims they surveyed some high school students and were told they'd rather return for 2nd semester. A plan to return students in December was dropped, because students would only have about 10 days in class before start of the next semester.
However, this flies against the dozens of Richland students who have participated in the re-open marches around the area. They are pushing for immediate hybrid learning to resume. Several dozen were seen (wearing green and gold garb) at the recent marches in Kennewick near Lampson Stadium and in Pasco Tuesday Nov. 10 by Edgar Brown stadium.
The board originally voted to delay return of grades 3-5 due to alleged rising COVID numbers, but then re-voted and will have them start class tomorrow, Nov. 12. This information is contained on the Richland SD website.
We have learned that reportedly the District is making tutors available, and that if students wish to receive extra tutorial help, they can go to their respective high schools (Richland and Hanford) where the buildings will allow up to 200 to do their online schooling 'at' the school. Mental health counselors will also be available as well.
This information comes from monitoring the Zoom online board meeting. According to these sources, RSD officials were concerned over failing students, so for those, tutoring (online) will be available. So, it appears students will still be doing Zoom, they will just have limited opportunities to do it 'at' the schools.
It is not known if this option being offered at the middle school level. As of Wednesday, November 11, none of this information is posted on the RSD website.
This is a developing ongoing situation, will continue to monitor news.