Superintendent of Peninsula School District apologizes after confusion over in-person learning for kindergartners, first graders

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — On Thursday, the superintendent of the Peninsula School District apologized after confusion over kindergartners, first graders and other students with special needs continuation with in-person learning.

Dr. Art Jarvis said the school district would continue with in-person learning for those students because it had partnered with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, participating in a pilot COVID-19 rapid testing program for smaller schools.

However, the health department said the program had not been finalized and that it was securing funding.

Last week, Jarvis had planned to return the students to remote learning, but the district changed course.

In a statement Thursday, Jarvis made clear what was intended, saying in part “…it would not be necessary to cease in-person attendance and return to remote learning on Monday, Nov. 2.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the health department for “opening the door” to a possible pilot program and that the district would form a planning group to explore the opportunity and prepare an application.

Jarvis said the district believes it is safe to continue their current method of delivering instruction to students through in-person and remote platforms for those select groups of students while the rapid testing pilot program is being developed as COVID-19 case levels in the district have remained in the moderate range.

Jarvis said the health department has asked some district leaders to attend a meeting Friday to discuss the pilot process.

Cox Media Group