Marblehead Schools To Maintain Current Hybrid Model For Now

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead Public Schools will continue along the path of their current hybrid learning model despite calls from Gov. Charlie Baker and the state for schools to pursue a more aggressive path to get students back in the classroom full-time despite a spike in coronavirus cases in the region.

Marblehead Superintendent of Schools John Buckey said in a letter to the school community on Friday that while safety protocols are doing well to keep the district free of outbreaks, additional guidance and tools from the state will be necessary to expand the in-classroom learning beyond what has been determined "feasible" in the plans developed and negotiated over the summer.

"While superintendents have been strong advocates for as much in-school learning as possible, there are several realities which require the governor's help before many months of planning can be unilaterally changed as a result of a press conference with no further guidance," Buckey said. "We need medical experts to explicitly coalesce around safe distancing, which allows for increased student capacity in classrooms. Also, districts would need help with collective bargaining provisions since there is no way to make unilateral changes in previous agreements with local unions. We have already negotiated extensively on return-to-school plans."

At question in many districts is the 6 feet of social distancing required to maintain safety. Peabody Superintendent of Schools Dr. Josh Vadala told Patch this week that requirement would have to be lowered to 3 feet of distance to allow Peabody Schools to welcome all students back at once — and that he would need firm guidance and evidence that 3 feet of distance is sufficient given the severity of the pandemic to consider altering that district's hybrid model.

"While the governor's push is well-intended," Buckey wrote, "it strikes me as the proverbial day-late and many, many dollars short of feasible.

"I welcome any statewide effort to address these issues, which stand beyond a local community's power to impact. With that assistance and support, we look forward to the time when more in-school learning is feasible and achieveable."

Buckey said he plans to meet with his Health & Safety Superintendent's Advisory group next week to interpret the current data — including the recent rise in races — and discuss any impact it should have on learning models and safety protocols.

He did share the feedback he received Marblehead Health Department Director Andrew Petty and Marblehead School Committee Chair Sarah Gold on the issue ahead of next week's summit.

"Social gatherings are contributing to these increases," Petty said, who advocated adherence to the new state face covering mandate that covers all public places whether social distancing is likely or not, indoor and outdoor events and performances and carpools among those not in the same household.

Gold said the "uptick" in coronavirus cases in Marblehead have not been traced back to formal learning settings in the schools.

"We feel that the mitigation process is keeping the school community safe and we will continue to maintain these practices as we move into the winter months until data instructs us to pivot," she said.

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Peabody Schools To Remain Hybrid Despite State Push For Full Day