Butler Area SD reverses course less than a week after announcing students would return to in-person learning

BUTLER, Pa. — One minute school is in person, the next minute school is online — the surge in COVID-19 has everything up in the air.

“It’s really a challenge to watch the emotional toll on kids, families and staff,” said Butler Area Superintendent Brian White.

It is a challenge every time White has to alert parents staff and students about a change to the curriculum.

After students were set to go back in person Monday, the district made the decision late Friday to stay virtual after seeing the latest virus numbers go way up.

The district has experienced tremendous staffing issues.

“The Family First Corona Response Act is a provision that allows employees to be home with their child for remote instruction, so even if we are trying to reopen, but the other districts are closed, it has a compound effect on the staffing situation,” White said.

Late Monday, the governor came out with a critical announcement, saying Pennsylvania has a problem and it’s getting worse.

For right now, school is virtual all week. The superintendent will revisit the decision at the end of the week.

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