J.O. Combs school district to resume virtual learning beginning Thursday

PHOENIX — A southeast Valley school district will resume classes in a virtual-only setting beginning Thursday after attempts to resume in-person instruction were rebuked following health concerns from teachers and other staff.

J.O. Combs Unified School District’s governing board decided by a 4-1 vote Wednesday to revert to the virtual-only instruction after classes were canceled because a high volume of staff called out.

A district spokeswoman earlier this week said 90 of the district’s 600 staff members called out for Tuesday after about 110 did for Monday’s classes.

The board also tentatively agreed to delay in-person instruction until Aug. 31. A board meeting meeting will occur Aug. 27 when public health metrics will be evaluated in order to determine if classroom learning can resume Aug. 31.

The governing board’s decision to resume traditional in-person classes on the first day allowed under a statewide executive order was controversial because Pinal County, where the district is located, didn’t meet all three of the state’s recommended COVID-19 statistical benchmarks.

The state gave districts final say in deciding when to resume in-person classes and provided the coronavirus benchmarks as guidance.

Superintendent Gregory Wyman said those against reopening were concerned about the benchmarks not being met, as well as the availability of personal protective equipment and class sizes.

He said the district has a 72-page manual detailing the steps it will take to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Wyman said Monday support and opposition of the opening plan was about equal, calling it a “50-50, 60-40” split.

Neighboring Queen Creek Unified School District, which is in Maricopa County, successfully resumed in-person instruction on Monday. Maricopa County, like Pinal, only meets two of the three COVID-19 benchmarks.

Public K-12 schools in Arizona that aren’t yet offering traditional in-person classes were required to provide on-site support services starting Monday for students who need a place to go or have specific needs.

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