Malden Opts For Remote Start To School Year

MALDEN, MA — Malden will start the school year with a remote learning model. The School Committee voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a distance/remote learning plan this fall, something Mayor Gary Christenson, who chairs the Committee, had previously supported.

Christenson released a statement Wednesday saying his position was "it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Although the situation has improved since March, the inherent risk is very much there," Christenson said. "With the COVID-19 pandemic still among us and with the number of positive cases increasing most recently, I think it only makes sense to err on the side of caution."

School Committee member Adam Weldai said prior to the meeting he would vote for a remote model. Weldai said he initially felt the hybrid plan was the best option but changed his mind after listening to feedback from the community.

"Both the family survey comments and the three community listening forums have reinforced what I began to feel throughout this process - that we have to stand firmly against taking any unnecessary gambles," Weldai wrote on Facebook.

The first day of school is Aug. 31 for staff and Sept. 16 for students.