LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Las Cruces Public Schools board members unanimously voted Tuesday to remain online for the remainder of the fall semester in December or longer depending on health guidelines.
Superintendent Karen Trujillo proposed continuing remote learning, except for small groups of students in special education, preschool students and others with a greater need for in-person instruction, The Las Cruces Sun-News reported.
The exemption includes new English learners; homeless, migrant or foster students; students who are not engaged; and students who are at risk of failure.
These students will have their temperature checked and be required to do a daily wellness check.
Public schools have been closed to in-person learning since March when Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a public health emergency to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick but for most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some – especially older adults and people with existing health problems – it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
Some parents raised concerns about technological difficulties and lack of consistency with the online system and argued for a sooner return.
