Arvon Township School Board keeps virtual classes through mid-January, orders Chromebooks and maintains School of Choice

The Arvon Township School Board voted on Dec. 8 to keep the district’s virtual learning model in place through the remainder of the semester, roughly mid-January, and instructed staff to conduct a new family survey after the Christmas break. The board also approved keeping School of Choice open for both the first and second semesters and authorized the purchase of four Chromebook devices to support remote instruction.

Principal Diane Paulsen reviewed the district’s plan and said the necessary paperwork has been submitted to the state. The recommendation on extended virtual instruction was presented in the record as coming from Stockero. "The recommendation is that Arvon Township School remain the current virtual method through the semester (mid-January)," the board noted.

Lori Johnson, who joined the meeting later, told the board the district lacks sufficient devices to reopen in person. "We could not open without more Chromebooks; they are a must," Johnson said. In response, the board approved a motion to order four Chromebooks and assigned Paulsen to place the purchase as soon as possible.

On the School of Choice item, the board approved a motion (moved by Nancy Soli, seconded by Linda Griffith) to retain School of Choice for both semesters. Johnson emphasized that more Chromebooks are needed before any in-person reopening could proceed.

The board’s actions were procedural: the extended-learning recommendation will remain in effect through the semester, staff will send a follow-up survey after the holiday break, and the district will add devices in anticipation of any future reopening. The semester was recorded in the minutes as ending the third week of January; school is scheduled to resume Jan. 4 after the winter break for students engaged in remote learning.

The board’s decisions were made during its regular Dec. 8 meeting, which also covered finance and other routine items. The next reorganizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12, with the regular meeting to follow.