Baltimore County Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Darryl Williams Abandons Plans To Have BCPS Teachers Return Next Month

By Staff Reporter
Posted on 09/25/20 | News Source: WBAL

One week after unveiling a timeline to allow in-person learning in Baltimore County Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Darryl Williams abandoned the plan Thursday.

In a letter sent to teachers and staff Williams said the plan, "will be revised and the return of all school staff will be determined after continued review and collaboration."

The county is offering virtual classes until late January, but Gov. Larry Hogan had urged school systems to come up with plans to offer some in-person learning before the end of the calendar year.

Williams' plan was due to have teachers and staff return to their school building on Oct. 19, and small groups of special education, pre-school, pre-K and kindergarten students would return by Nov. 13.

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The plan received criticism from leaders of the teachers union who were worried about safety, and from local officials who say they were not notified of the plan in advance.

Williams says a phased-in approach will begin in November to allow teachers and small groups of students to return to classes at BCPS public separate day schools.

The day schools are identified as White Oak, Ruxton Ridge, Battle Monument and Maiden Choice Schools.

Under that plan teachers would return on Nov. 2, and small groups of students would return Nov. 16.

Officials of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County praised Williams' decision on Twitter Thursday night. Read more at WBAL