Thorsland: “cautiously optimistic”

The superintendent for Oconee public schools told trustees last night administration is “cautiously optimistic” that the plan to re-open classrooms next week will succeed.  The school district has spent the last couple of months accumulating sanitizing supplies and instructing staff how to ensure the best possible conditions to help everyone learn while avoiding the potential for COVID-19 infections.  Dr. Michael Thorsland, conceded, however, there may be instances during the new year when, because of an infection or an outbreak, it may be necessary to temporarily shut down a classroom or close a school.  To last night’s meeting Thorsland brought recent reports from the state health agency that indicate case numbers are dropping, dropping so much that Oconee County’s previous high incidence rate has receded to moderate.  The Oconee public school year starts Monday.  About three out of four students have chosen face-to-face instruction, while the remainder is opting for online learning.  Apart from his report on schools re-opening, Thorsland last night answered trustees’ questions, along with questions and concerns voiced by a couple members of the audience, including the parent of school children.