GLEN ELLYN - Students in Glenbard High School District will participate in fully remote live stream learning beginning Aug. 17 and switch to the in-person/hybrid model on Sept. 8, district officials announced Monday.
In a letter to District 87 families, Superintendent David Larson listed several reasons for the schedule adjustment, including staffing and building capacity concerns.
”We have been faced with the challenge of hiring levels of additional support staff necessary to sustain and operate a safe and healthy school day,” Larson said. “Staffing issues include hiring those employees who will supervise students, ensure areas are appropriately cleaned and sanitized and facilitate the appropriate routines and safety protocols.
Additionally, he said, the district continues to work on building capacity planning, which is contingent on the results of the district’s family survey.
“Specifically, how many families select fully remote learning for their students versus our hybrid learning model,” Larson said.
Survey results were due Aug. 2.
Larson added that postponing the in-person portion of the hybrid model allows faculty and students to “carefully and effectively focus on becoming accustomed to the features of live streaming instruction.”
”Lastly, we believe ensuring a safe and efficient educational day for our students and teachers requires significant detailed planning regarding the operations, functions and routines of the school day,” Larson said. “The Sept. 8 start will provide the time to thoroughly prepare to ensure a safe, manageable and productive day for our students.”
Larson said that despite the adjustment to the initial plan, the district is confident in the features and options provided by the it robust technology infrastructure.
"Teachers can live stream lessons and have the ability for all students to collaborate in Zoom breakout rooms," he said. " With iPads, Zoom, Schoology and other tools Glenbard has a complete digital classroom."