Every MS student will have electronic devices and virtual access, superintendent says
Electronic devices should be in the hands of all Mississippi students and teachers over the next few months, with an order for 400,000 going out, state Superintendent Carey Wright said during a session with the media Thursday.
Many students return to school this week, including those in South Mississippi, even though the state has one of the highest rates in the nation of COVID-19 spread. Public health experts had advised that school start in September.
Both the Jackson County and Corinth school districts have reported COVID-19 cases among students and teachers who are now quarantined. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said Wednesday students and teachers caught COVID-19 through community spread, but cases are expected in schools.
Wright also is prepared for more cases: “Let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised because COVID is taking no prisoners,” she said. “and it has not boundaries. It knows no political class or socioeconomic class.
“And I think that we’ve just got to be incredibly diligent.”
Virtual learning a priority
The Mississippi Department of Education is working with school districts on virtual learning options statewide in case of shutdowns for COVID-19, or even a hurricane.
Virtual learning in areas with limited access to Wi-Fi will hinge on cellular transmission and hot spots, Wright said. She said the MDE is working with providers.
“It is going to take continued work and it’s going to take continued diligence on our part,” Wright said.
She added, “Regardless of what happens, we want children to be able to learn virtually.”
State, CARES Act money for MS schools
School districts are relying on $200 million the state Legislature provided for digital upgrades, she said.
She said districts also can submit requests for reimbursements for other allowable expenses from millions in CARES Act money the state received.
Districts have been able to supply classrooms with adequate sanitizer and teachers with masks, Wright said.
The Board of Education today voted to waive 10 school days from the calendar year for schools that are starting late because of high COVID-19 spread, including in the eight counties where Gov. Tate Reeves ordered later starts and in districts that made the decision on their own.
Wright said that she had talked Thursday with Ocean Springs school Superintendent Bonita Coleman, who said the first day of school went smoothly. Teachers changed classrooms rather than students to cut down on traffic.
Wright said a group of superintendents is cataloging and sharing best practices with districts.
