JACKSON, Wyo. — Following Governor Gordon’s announcement Wednesday that public schools in Wyoming will not be allowed to reopen prior to June 1, Teton County School District said a return to school buildings this academic year is no longer a viable option.
The TCSD board of trustees made the decision at its regular meeting Wednesday night to continue with the current Adapted Learning Plan for the remainder of the school year.
”It was determined that trying to return for just a few days was not practical or appropriate,” the district stated.
Instead, the district will spend time preparing for returning in the fall while providing students, families, and staff a level of certainty regarding the close of the school year.
“We had really hoped to return to our schools for face to face instruction. We held out hope for as long as possible but we knew we all needed resolution of the question: Are we coming back?” TCSD superintendent Gillian Chapman said. “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge that this was the best decision we could make given this unprecedented global crisis.”
Principals and teachers will be reaching out to families in the coming days with more information about closing out the school year, collecting personal items that were left at school, and the return of school-owned iPads or laptops.
TCSD is also notifying parents Colter Elementary School will not open to provide supervision/childcare for students student as was previously hoped.
“Unfortunately, as the very detailed planning of this program progressed, we simply do not have the staffing required to meet the requests and the requirements. Therefore, out of concern for the safety and well-being of our students and staff, we will not be offering this service to TCSD families. We sincerely apologize for the impact this change may have on TCSD families,” district official stated.
