Alba-Golden joins growing list of districts limiting student remote learning options

Posted 10/22/20

The Alba-Golden school board officially approved the cancellation of the remote learning option in a unanimous decision Monday.

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Alba-Golden joins growing list of districts limiting student remote learning options

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The Alba-Golden school board officially approved the cancellation of the remote learning option in a unanimous decision Monday.

The cessation of remote learning must abide by several stipulations recently put forth by the commissioner of education.

As Superintendent Cole McClendon explained, the notice of cancellation must allow a 14-day notification period before a final decision of each individual student would be required. Additionally, remote learning will continue for those students under quarantine, as well as for those students who have been deemed “medically fragile” by their doctor. 

The 14-day notification period will expire for Alba-Golden on Nov. 2. McClendon listed the three options available for families presently using remote learning: return to the schoolhouse, homeschool or transfer. In the absence of a decision, students would be withdrawn after Nov. 2. 

There are 77 Alba-Golden students in grades 2-12 now using remote learning. Similarly to other area schools, the remote learning system has failed.

As McClendon pointed out, “The remote learning option is not providing students with quality education. We need them back in school.”

Trustee Grant Sadler questioned the impact of so many students returning to school at the same time. Board Member Chad Dailey commented that there would absolutely be issues. McClendon described the situation as a welcome problem. Getting the children physically into school is the critical element in children’s education, he remarked.

In other action, Athletic Director Drew Webster briefed the board on the creation of a James “Paw” McDowell Award. McDowell, who passed away on Sept. 26, was a long-time Alba-Golden fan who was seemingly always present to cheer on his children and grandchildren. 

A dozen members of the McDowell family were present to receive the news. 

The award will be given to one male and one female athlete each year.

Webster commented, “The award will be given to two athletes who are great teammates on and off the field and who always put in a great day’s work.”

Students Cassidi Burris and Raegan Riley earned October Student of the Month for secondary and elementary school, respectively. They were each publicly recognized for their work ethic and academic talent.

In the final decision of the night, the board selected Friday Nov. 6 at 7 a.m. as the date and time for vote canvassing.