Ringgold students can return to classrooms full time

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Students in the Ringgold School District will have the opportunity to return to the classroom this month.
At their public meeting Wednesday night, school directors voted 8-1 to approve and submit to the Pennsylvania Department of Education the attestation form that will allow students to return to in-person classes Jan. 25.
Director Jim Dodd cast the lone no vote on the motion. Voting to approve the motion were directors Bill Stein, Sherrie Garry, Harley Bobnar, Carol Flament, Jason Gerard, Gene Kennedy, Larry Mauro and Maureen Ott.
Since last November, the state has required school districts in counties that see two consecutive weeks of substantial transmission of COVID-19 to submit attestation forms that contain the district’s adherence to state mitigation efforts such as mask wearing and social distancing.
Students in Ringgold have been learning in one of two remote learning options: an online remote option where students learn from Ringgold teachers, and the district’s Cyber Academy, which includes pre-recorded lessons.
“The state is recommending that students get back in the classrooms,” school boar President Jim Stein said after the Wednesday’s meeting. “We’ve made the decision to get them back.
“It’s based on changing recommendations from federal and state government that says the transmission rate among young children is low. School, in many cases, is the safest place for these kids. There’s a movement to get kids back in school. They learn better.”
Stein said students who do not want to return to classes will still have the two remote options available to them.
Dodd said he didn’t feel comfortable bringing students back to classes as the pandemic remains at a high level.
“I have some concern based on the amount of uncertainty,” he said. “I would be most concerned with our most vulnerable population in the schools, and that’s our teachers. I’ll feel a ton better when we can get some shots in the arms of teachers.”
Stein said the district has protocols in place — such as closing a classroom or building — should a positive case be reported in the district. He also said wearing masks and sanitizing rooms will be enforced.
The move also means that the district’s athletic teams can compete in winter sports starting today, provided teams follow all protocols outlined in the district’s Athletic & Activities Health and Safety Plan as well as guidance from the state’s department of education and the department of health.