MILWAUKEE — More than 3,000 new COVID-19 cases marks a daily record in Wisconsin.
Now, the state’s biggest school district, Milwaukee Public Schools, is holding back on its plan to bring students back into the classroom.
At MPS, the plan this semester was to slowly bring students back into the classroom. But with COVID-19 cases trending in the wrong direction, virtual learning will continue until further notice.
The district hoped to enter a hybrid approach before bringing kids into classes full-time. Now district leaders believe it's best to remain all virtual.
“There is no easy solution to this pandemic. We will do everything to ensure the safety of our students,” said MPS Superintendent, Dr. Keith Posley.
Dr. Posley said the COVID-19 spikes across the state are a big factor in the decision.
“We are looking at the rate of infection. The positivity rates. And you look at today and it’s the highest rate [amount of new cases] that we have had,” Posley said.
As of Thursday, The City of Milwaukee has recorded more than 22,000 new coronavirus cases and nearly 100 COVID-19-related deaths.
Right now, the percentage of positive tests coming back is a little higher than its target.
“Our average positivity rate is 6 percent. We would like it less than 5 percent,” Barrett said.
Maria Lipan began homeschooling her twins, Anna and Nicole, at the start of the pandemic. She feels face-to-face learning is better for younger students like her daughters.
“I don’t think young kids should be exposed to virtual for so long. Because they still have to learn how to write and to read.. in a notebook,” Lipan said.
Lipan says as long as kids are safe and learning, she respects other parents’ choices.
“Parents should know what’s best for their kids and we should respect each other’s decisions,” Lipan said.
Dr. Posley said he will continue to assess the situation and discuss the possibility of moving forward with their plans, in the coming weeks.