During a special meeting of the Marshall School Board on Monday, July 27, the board discussed its policy for expectations of students who choose to learn from a distance this semester.
Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher says since 2018 the law requires that districts give parents the option to have their children take courses through virtual learning.

Dr. Maher said there are other programs available for distance learning. However, she says the other companies require the Marshall Public School District pay them a per-day rate for instructing those students. “So, although the companies let the parents know the service is free to them, it does cost the district money.
Dr. Maher also explained the district’s policy that requires students to be seated in class for three hours or more per day before they will be able to participate in any extra-curricular activities- regardless of if the students are being taught by the district’s teachers or by other companies during distance learning.

Dr. Maher further said if schools are closed, the district will follow the MSHSAA’s advice and shut down all activities also.
Dr. Maher also pointed out there is a survey on the district’s website- marshallschools.com– for parents to fill out regarding the upcoming school year. She said it will be available until Friday, July 31. Included in the survey, the district wants to know how many parents plan on sending their kids to school or will opt for distance learning.
Dr. Maher also says the district will make a decision on what phase to enter the school year on August 5. That’s whether the semester will be started with face-to-face learning; some type of blended format of in-person and distance learning; or completely distance learning as the district did the last month and a half or so of the 2019-20 school year.
Dr. Maher says the district realizes distance learning does create problems for some students due to connectivity issues.