APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton schools are continuing an all-virtual learning model, and many parents are not happy. They want their kids back in school and say the district isn’t giving them a good reason for why they can’t be.
The district originally planned to have all students in the classroom, in some way. The school board reversed that decision a few weeks before the first day.
Appleton Area School District parents tells FOX 11 they’re frustrated.
“What is the plan to reopen? If they do have a plan, it’s the best kept secret in Appleton!” Appleton North High School parent Erik Hansen said.
Hansen says other local school districts are offering some kind of in-person learning, and he doesn’t understand why his kids are stuck at home.
“Just down the street, literally a half mile down the street – Fox Valley Lutheran right here in town – they’re making it work, Kimberly’s making it work, all these districts are making it work, you know, ask for help if you’re struggling.”
Appleton Area School District superintendent Judy Baseman tells FOX 11 they are prepared to come into a hybrid model, as soon as they can.
“That was our initial plan, but the numbers are not looking very good right now.”
The “AASD Parents Looking for a Change” Facebook group was created about a week ago. It now has more than 650 members – parents who want their kids back in classrooms.
“For my family, personally, it’s been very difficult,” Hansen said. “My kids don’t learn well that way, and it’s just frustrating, you know.”
Baseman says she thinks a change could happen, in the near future.
“I believe that if we would work together, as a community, and put our energies towards following the guidance that we can get things in line soon.”
But Hansen says working with district leaders to figure out how to move forward hasn’t even been an option.
“We don’t feel we have a voice. We haven’t been able to speak publicly at the school board since June.”
Baseman says, they’re constantly evaluating whether it’s safe for students to return.
“As a team, we are looking to update those pieces, so that we’re using the best guidance possible, as we make these really, really tough decisions.”
Another big question parents have is, why are kids from other organizations welcomed in school buildings, but their kids aren’t?
“This place was buzzing up until a month ago,” said Hansen. “Really, with no explanation, everything was padlocked and closed down,” Hansen said.
Baseman says, she shares the frustration.
“I’ve heard from many parents, and I’ve also heard from parents who understand that safety needs to come first,” she said.
Appleton’s next school board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 28.
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