In-school plan going well, says county superintendent

by KELLEY PEARSON • STAFF WRITER

WISE — According to schools Superintendent Greg Mullins, Wise County’s return to in-person schooling is going very well.

He gave the school board an update at its Tuesday meeting.

As the schools entered their third week of instruction, Mullins confirmed that four students have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Two of those students are virtual learners. There are also currently nine staff members in quarantine. Mullins confirmed that the level of vigilance with personal protective equipment and social distancing must continue as the most recent metrics show an uptick in cases locally.

Mullins also advised that bus drop offs are extremely efficient and organized and lunches are progressing well. He was also quick to commend the janitorial staff for its diligence in deep cleaning.

Mullins was very appreciative of the positive attitudes from students and teachers alike. Some students have had to be reminded of masks, but misbehavior is at an all-time low.

Of the more than 5,000 students in the Wise County School System, 2,023 students remain virtual. The consensus among teachers would be to have more students in the classroom. Some virtual students are far behind and will have a hard time catching up, according to Mullins.