The LEA sent a survey to its roughly 400 members on Sept. 3, to ask how LCS employees feel as they begin the school year.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – While some parts of Virginia roll into the Phase 1-B vaccine distribution stage, others are still behind in the first phase. Lynchburg is one area waiting to shift into Phase 1-B — and teachers are part of that next group. Karl Loos, president of the Lynchburg Education Association, says teachers and staff are still coming in close contact with students and one another, even on a hybrid schedule. Crystal Edwards said she’s working closely with the Department of Health to find out when the vaccine will be available. “Once [vaccines] get here, it’s going to take some time for us to administer both sets of shots.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – “It’s going to keep students safe, it’s going to keep staff safe,” said Lynchburg Education Association President Karl Loos about the reasoning for calling for all Lynchburg City Schools students to start the year learning remotely. Loos said the association believes an all-virtual start to the school year is the safest option and also prevents a potentially chaotic situation in the event someone in a school tests positive for COVID-19. The school district’s spokesperson said the district has a health mitigation plan in place. On Tuesday, the Lynchburg City School Board is holding a special meeting to look at three different options for the upcoming school year. The frequency of in-person learning will be determined based on data available at that time.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Some Lynchburg educators are calling for a return to school that is 100% virtual. Other than a few exceptions for students with special needs or IEP teams who determine that in-person instruction is necessary, the Lynchburg Education Association is asking for the fall semester to be held exclusively online. As it stands right now, Lynchburg City Schools will reopen for the fall with a combination of in-building, hybrid and remote learning. There are financial implications of in-person instruction too, according to the LEA. The LEA asks for the school board to make the change to 100% virtual learning prior to staff reporting for work on Aug. 4.