MOCO Schools Eliminate 5 Percent Policy For Virtual Learning

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools has gotten rid of its new policy that would trigger virtual learning if 5 percent of unrelated staff members or students tested positive for COVID-19 in a school.

The policy was instituted beginning this month, but in a letter to families Friday morning Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight and Acting Chief Health Officer James Bridgers said they were getting rid of it because it does not align with the state's recommendations.

The state does not recommend that schools have any automatic trigger for virtual learning. MCPS says it will evaluate schools on a case-by-case basis, and families from the 11 schools that have already gone virtual will get more information by Sunday.

"We have heard from families, students and staff and recognize that the pandemic’s changing landscape continues to generate concern for many community members," the letter says. "These modifications result from clarifications from the state of Maryland on the appropriate use of thresholds for transitioning to virtual learning – and bring MCPS into closer alignment with how large school systems across the country are keeping schools safe amidst similar COVID-related challenges."

The district said that take-home test kids will be distributed to students and staff by next week.

"These easy-to-use tests will reveal the prevalence of the virus in each school community," the letter reads. "They will quickly identify positive cases, allow COVID-19 positive individuals to isolate, and further reduce the spread of the virus in schools and offices."