West Fargo Public Schools implemented thr  “WFPS Return to Learn plan”. This plan has, so far, responded well to the unique needs and challenging circumstances of the 2020-2021 school year. The hybrid model currently in use in WFPS is working. Neighboring schools in the same metro have had to abandon the hybrid learning model for middle and high school students and restart distant learning. 

We urge Superintendent Beth Slette and the WFPS board to keep hybrid learning available K-12 for as long as it is safe according to guidance from CDC, Fargo Cass Public Health, and Essentia.

We understand a decision will need to be made to move towards this shared goal of full in-class instruction. It will be a difficult decision no matter when it is made. The final decisions will be contested no matter what is decided. 

We don’t feel at this time there is enough data available to support the move to full in-class instruction. There are plenty of emotions and opinions available, but not data.

We urge the board to delay the discussion of full re-entry until after there is more concrete data available. A sensible starting point for the discussion of re-entry would be after there has been a decline in Cass County’s infection and positivity rates for at least two straight weeks. Another sensible starting point would be after the first Quarter and/or first Trimester respectively.

Thank you kindly for your consideration of our concerns.