A Boulder Valley survey shows about 80% of parents would likely or definitely send their children to school under a hybrid model, with a mix of in-person and remote learning, in the fall.
The percent drops to about 73% if the district starts school in the fall 100% in-person, but with precautions in place. Of those who don’t plan to return, about 67% indicated they want to keep their children at their current school while continuing to learn remotely. Other options include an online school or homeschooling.
About 515 people responded to the survey, which is still open and was included on a new online engagement platform, Let’s Talk BVSD. The district’s total enrollment is about 30,000 students.
On the platform, families also can provide written feedback on opening school with a hybrid model or full-time in person for at least elementary students — the two main possibilities the district proposed for fall as part of its five-phase reintroduction plan.
To open full-time in person, district officials have noted current coronavirus restrictions would need to be eased, which likely would require a decrease in new cases. Boulder County this week is seeing an uptick in cases following a previous “steady plateau” of new cases, according to the health department.
The school district is set to provide more information on the final plan for the fall, based on current health guidelines and information, at its July 21 school board meeting. The meeting starts at 3 p.m. and will be livestreamed.
The district is planning to send information to all families July 22, as well as asking for feedback on their plans for the fall.
Boulder Valley this week also clarified that there’s not a deadline to enroll in Boulder Universal, the district’s online school, and enrollment won’t be limited. Boulder Universal previously told parents they needed to sign up today to guarantee a spot. In the survey, about 5% indicated they would choose Boulder Universal for the fall.
The district plans to allow parents who want a remote-only option to either enroll in Boulder Universal or learn from home through their current school. More information on how that second option would work is expected next week.
The St. Vrain Valley School District plans to present its final plan for the fall to the school board at its July 22 meeting, then communicate that plan to families on July 23 or 24. The meeting, which is scheduled at 6 p.m., will be livestreamed.
The district is planning to offer five days of in-person learning for elementary students, sixth graders and ninth graders. Seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades would attend a mix of in-person and remote classes.
St. Vrain hasn’t surveyed families on their preferences for in-person versus online-only options, but is providing the opportunity to enroll in a new remote learning option, St. Vrain LaunchED Virtual Academy.
While there’s not a feedback website, St. Vrain school board members and the superintendent have invited families to email concerns and questions. Written comments also may be submitted to be read during the July 22 meeting.
Officials in both districts noted the reintroduction plans could change before school starts the third week of August, if an increase in coronavirus cases prompts new guidance from state and local health departments. Outbreaks during the school year also could force districts to return to 100% remote learning.
The Denver Post reported Wednesday that Denver Public Schools is considering delaying the beginning of the school year by one week and may use a “staggered start” approach to allow schools to begin the fall semester in a remote format and gradually welcome students back for in-person learning.
The Denver district had been offering families a choice of 100% in-person learning or 100% remote learning after initially proposing a hybrid model.
