by Megan Schiffres
LOTTSBURG—Despite a lack of basic supplies to keep students safe during the pandemic, and new evidence cited by the district health director that children present a high risk for spreading the COVID-19 virus, members of the Northumberland school board voted 3-2 to reopen in-person learning options for students in pre-K through third grade.
Students in grades four through 12 will only be offered distance learning opportunities when the new school year begins.
Board members met for an emergency meeting Monday, August 3, after Gov. Ralph Northam placed additional restrictions on large gatherings in the Eastern region of Virginia due to a rapid rise in cases in the area.
Betty Christopher, Cheryl Brown and Dana O’Bier voted in favor of the district superintendent’s plan to reopen in-person learning options for pre-K through third grade. Members Carl Perez and Gayle Sterrett voted against the proposed plan.
Cases of the virus have been steadily rising in Virginia…
