School board hears from principals

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Colleton County School Board members met virtually Jan. 12 to hear from principals of each school regarding updated plans to reconvene school if approved next week.

Assistant Superintendent Cliff Warren reported to board members that early dismissal days were being removed from the calendar. March 12, a teacher work day, is being moved to Mar. 10. 

Interim Superintendent John Tindal alerted the board that Covid cases were on the rise in the county and on Jan. 19, the next school board meeting date, a decision will be made about students returning to face-to-face school. At present, virtual learning has been extended through Friday Jan. 22, due to the increase in Covid.

On Jan. 12 Tindal listed the following absences of staff and students in school for that day:

The transportation office reported 10 absences. The schools reported: Bells 9, Black Street 5, Cottageville 7, Forest Hills 6, Hendersonville 6, Northside 4, Colleton Middle School 15, Colleton High School 21, and TCTC 1. That is a total of 74 absences for one day. (Last year the district reported 66 total absences on the same day). 

Tindal also reported 134 positive Covid tests in the county in a 10-day period.

Each principal gave a report to the board members explaining the potential for classrooms, students, teachers and staff to return to regular school days. Issues arose regarding the number of parents requesting virtual learning versus students whose parents wish them to attend in-person learning. More information needs to be taken into consideration before opening schools, including the rising Covid cases, the board decided.

That decision will be made Jan. 19.