AAPS: Board of Education has not decided to remain in virtual instruction for remainder of the year

Statement from Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education released on Feb. 19, 2021

At our meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education voted to direct Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift to explore the feasibility of modifying its current Return to School Plan.

The Board apologizes for any confusion this vote on Wednesday may have caused our community during an already stress-filled school year due to the pandemic. To be clear, we have not decided to remain in fully virtual instruction for the remainder of the year.

The intent of the Board’s motion was to:

·Establish a date by which the most vulnerable students may safely return to the school buildings (later determined to be March 22, 2021)

· Assist students who are struggling the most under the current distance learning model

· Help parents/caregivers who have requested assistance with their students’ learning

· Assist families in planning for the rest of the school year

· Focus the district’s efforts on an enhanced summer program and a strong and safe return to our buildings in the Fall.

The Board’s vote did not change or alter the approved transition to hybrid-in school learning option.

The Board looks forward to receiving Dr. Swift’s recommendation at its next meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.