Junior High School students in Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will be on a 4-day in-person class schedule beginning Monday, April 12, following a unanimous vote by the school board supporting the action recommended by Superintendent Allen Bourff.  Monday through Thursdays will be in-person, with Fridays set aside as e-learning days.

Bourff cited junior high school family survey results, with 75% of parents submitting responses.  82% of the responses favored in-person learning and 70% were in favor of the 4-day in-person schedule, compared to the hybrid method.

School administrators will watch for any surge in positive COVID cases following spring break.  Dr. Bourff cited revised numbers showing 19 positive cases in the schools last week, compared to 70-plus such cases during school weeks in January.  School officials say they will close individual buildings if there are COVID outbreaks on or after April 12.

The E-Fridays are allowing teachers to take individual time with students needing extra help and help with teacher stress.  Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President Janet Chandler told board members how difficult it has been for the teaching staff to handle in-person and virtual students at the same time.

“We cannot do another year like this,” Chandler told the board.  “Something has to give.”

HSE Schools are planning a regular classroom schedule for the 2021-2022 school year, according to Dr. Bourff.