WAUWATOSA — The Wauwatosa School Board approved a phased-in learning plan for fall instruction early Tuesday morning.
The board's meeting went late into the night, with a final vote coming around 1 a.m.
Under the plan, administrators and health officials will monitor COVID-19 numbers, and that will help them determine when to go virtual, hybrid, or entirely in-person.
Superintendent Dr. Phillip Ertl said the ultimate goal is to get everyone back in the classroom five days a week, but he made clear that would not happen right away. According to the presentation on Monday night's meeting, full-time classrooms would not be an option until Sept. 21 at the earliest.
"I don't think we can make everyone happy with wherever we end up, but I think we can find a way to get close," Ertl said.
Parents who are uncomfortable with any in-person learning can choose a fully virtual option.
People offered a wide variety of opinions during the public comment section.
A group of people launched a change.org petition demanding the district not require teachers to return to a full classroom if they do not feel safe. As of Monday night it had more than 1,600 signatures.
Under the plan, masks will be required in school buildings.
District leaders have come up with plans for when students and staff get sick, part of which includes staying home for at least 10 days if someone tests positive for COVID-19.