Woburn School Committee Sets Sept. 16 Start Date

WOBURN, MA — The Woburn School Committee voted Thursday night to set Sept. 16 as the district's start date, ahead of Tuesday's vote on the reopening model.

Committee members heard comments and questions from the public on the administration's plan, which recommends a hybrid model where students spend some time in person and some time learning remotely.

The district's hybrid model would split students into three cohorts. One would learn in school Monday and Tuesday, one Thursday and Friday, and a third, composed of high-needs students, would spend all four days in school. All students would learn remotely on Wednesdays.

Comments included a number of calls from teachers, as well as some other residents, for remote learning, arguing it is unsafe to reopen in person. Several parents advocated against remote learning, arguing their children need time in school.

In a hybrid model, fully remote learning would be available for any family that chooses.

Superintendent Matthew Crowley shared additional details on the district's plans. All students will be issued a device, and there will be frequent small group meetings and offline work. Google Classroom and Seesaw will be used. There will be weekly assignments, a consistent schedule and clear expectations.

The district has created a frequently asked questions page, available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.