OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Oshkosh Area School Board voted unanimously to include more criteria in the district’s back-to-school plan.
“Specifically, within Winnebago County, what the burden rate is. We’re also taking a look at the positivity rate. We’re also taking into consideration within the Oshkosh Area School District area itself so the boundaries of the school district itself… what is that burden rate broken down by age levels for students,” OASD Supt. Vickie Cartwright said.
Cartwright will help the district better determine which of the four instructional models is most suitable for schools.
“Every two weeks what we’re looking to do at that point in time is to update that visualization matrix so that our parents can follow along and kind of see, okay where are we possibly headed,” Cartwright said.
The approval of the addendum impacted elementary-level students.
Instead of starting the year using the modified in-person model, elementary-level students will follow the hybrid model.
Some parents tells FOX 11 they’re worried about finding childcare now.
“Last year, because of the fact, I lost my job when school because I had to stop and take care of it. It’s hard because I don’t have a lot of family that I can depend on to watch my kid, and daycare is a fortune,” Oshkosh parent Justin Coombs said.
Oshkosh parent and teacher Alicia Herman feels better moving forward with the update.
“I feel if we’re all starting hybrid, model 3, it at least gives us a plan on how we’re starting school on September 1. I do trust the board and I trust Dr. Cartwright to make those decisions based on numbers, based on data, and I appreciate that transparency.”
Cartwright wants to remind the community that they have a direct influence on the data.
“Wear your face coverings, practice social distancing. Wash your hands frequently or using the appropriate hand sanitizer and if you’re sick, please stay home.”
The first scheduled update to the visualization matrix is set for September 10.
