Charleston, W.Va. – Upon the review of the most recent report from State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch, West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) President Miller Hall has canceled the WVBE meeting scheduled for Jan. 26, 2021. The State Superintendent’s report confirms all 55 school districts are open for in-person learning for families in the state.

“I am very pleased we have turned a corner in our state,” said President Miller Hall. “We know more about this virus than we did when schools moved to remote learning in March 2020, and when we are diligent to follow the key mitigations such as mask-wearing, we know our children are safe in our schools.”

The West Virginia Department of Education and Board of Education continue to work closely with state health officials to monitor the health and safety of West Virginia schools and the needs of students. The lack of in-person instruction, school support and daily structured activities are not only disruptive to learning but are especially harmful to the most vulnerable children. 

“For the most needy students, access to a public education is the best avenue to move ahead in life,” said Superintendent Burch. “As the State Superintendent, I cannot single-handedly erase the impact of the many adverse childhood experiences facing these children. However, together with the State Board, we can make sure our school doors are open to those children relying on the consistent and undeniable benefit of in-person instruction.”

Previously, the WVBE scheduled tomorrow’s meeting to address those counties that were out of compliance with the Board action dated Jan. 13, 2021, requiring all districts to offer an in-person learning option for families. However, county school boards have met over the past week and implemented this option once again. To review the Superintendent’s report, click here.

The WVBE will meet again in regular session on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, in Charleston. 

For more information, contact Christy Day at the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.

For information about COVID-19, please visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov or wvde.us/COVID19.

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