INDIANAPOLIS — A recent surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state is prompting some school districts to re-think their current learning models.
Governor Eric Holcomb has said the state will not mandate whether schools should offer in-person, blended, or virtual learning, instead he said that decision should be made on a local level.
In Greenwood, Greenwood Community Schools announced it will be moving to a hybrid learning model for middle and high school students starting Monday, November 9th.
According to the Indiana State Department of Health’s website, Johnson County currently has an 8.9% positivity rate and has been classified as “orange," which is the point at which health leaders recommend moving to a hybrid model.
Just down the road, Center Grove Schools will not be making any adjustments and will continue in-person learning.
District leaders sent an email to parents saying the district’s metrics don’t support a change right now as only 2% of their students are out for COVID-19 related absences.
The email also said the academic and mental health impacts of e-learning weighed heavily into their decision.
Leaders with Center Grove Community Schools also told parents to make a plan and be ready in case they do move to a hybrid learning model.
Further south, Bartholomew Consolidated Schools announced they will move to a completely virtual schedule starting Monday, November 9. Students won’t return to the classroom until after Thanksgiving.
A letter to parents said although the county is not in the “orange” category yet, but numbers are trending in that direction.
District leaders said right now the positive COIVD-19 cases are impacting their ability to properly staff buildings and provide all bus routes.
