MISSOULA — In a school board meeting on Tuesday evening, Superintendent Rob Watson shared his most up-to-date plan for the Missoula County Public Schools return to learning this fall.
According to Watson, the return to school will use a phased approach. Phase 0 would entail remote learning only, Phase 1, a blended model of remote and in-person learning, and Phase 2 would be every day, every student, but with a reduced schedule.
As far as which phase they’ll begin with, that will all depend on data of COVID-19 cases in the area. If there's a decline in cases, Watson said they'll most likely begin with Phase 1, but that’s all dependent on how things trend over the next few weeks.
Additionally, Watson shared that for Phase 1 and Phase 2, there will be the option for students to choose remote learning through the MCPS online academy.
While the plan is intended to cater to each family’s unique need, board member Grace Decker saw the proposal as a potential issue.
“I think it’s our responsibility as a board to ensure that we provide the same quality of education to all children,” said Decker, “I’m concerned that the choice factor may be actually more problematic than we think in terms of what we provide for all.”
Watson said the plans are subject to change.
