School Board meeting had a number of for 5 day per week school re-open speakers

At the July 9, 2020 regular School Board meeting a crowd of just a little over 100 parents, many of whom spoke during citizens and delegations segment, mostly challenged the plan to re-open schools plan, for two two day per week sessions for Botetourt students. They are in favor of five day in person instruction.

To watch the video of the various speeches click here for the BCPS video

Chairman of the School Board Michelle Crook had a few words of protocol for the speakers. And, she explained the difference between a variance and a waiver. Many parents have stated in emails, on a parents Facebook page and in public they would sign a waiver they would not hold the schools responsible of their child became sick. After speaking with the school division’s attorney, Crook explained that waivers do not work in public education the way they would at a private school. ” Public education is compulsory, you cannot use a waiver for compulsory education according to the attorney.”

She also noted that school board meetings and special meetings are announced in public notice in the media and on the school division website. “We announced all of our meetings and not one single person showed up. “

To be fair, many people have been watching the Live Stream videos of meetings as The Botetourt Bee has been doing as well. Two meetings ago at one point over 97 viewers were on watching the meeting at the same time. (The BEE noted it in my watch party.)

The speakers were asked to limit their comments to three minutes. The crowd was asked not to cheer speakers, (but they did anyway) and not to criticize each other and that the school board would not comment back.

Crook did tell the assembly the school board was listening, that they are taking the concerns under consideration both emails and comments and within a week of studying the matter, plan to call a special meeting. Dr. Russ, the new school superintendent had a few words of solidarity being a parent of a six year old in another division with a similar plan, but his first meeting here certainly was not one of ordinary business like most regular school board meetings are. on a monthly basis.

With out going into great detail, as readers can watch the video for the tone of the night, most every speaker was for five day per week instruction in some fashion. Everything from true concern for the child’s education, logistics of child care and remote learning, to a very honest parent saying she is not a teacher, the at home learning was tough and “Please teach my child.” A few people ground axes and seemingly a virus on the rise in our nation currently shouldn’t stop the new school year. There were about five speakers total who supported the current plan.

The School Board handled regular business for the rest of the meeting after the speakers concluded.

Ultimately, what ever the school board and school division sends forth has to be approved by the Virginia Department of Education. In order for school to begin on August 10th, the plan has to be in place two weeks prior to opening.

The clock is ticking. That is one month from today!

–Cathy Benson, photo Botetourt Bee school icon