Starting this fall, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) in Maryland will no longer offer online classes for first and second graders. The decision was made by the Frederick County Board of Education in an effort to reduce costs and balance the district’s budget for fiscal year 2024. By removing these grade levels from the district’s Remote Virtual Program, FCPS saved approximately $903,427.
The virtual program was initially established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since been recognized for its broader benefits beyond emergency situations. However, the enrollment numbers for first and second graders were significantly lower compared to older students. While approximately 200 students from grades 5 to 8 participated in the program last year, only around 80 students from grades 1 to 4 were enrolled.
Jamie Aliveto, FCPS Chief of Schools and Accountability, expressed concerns about offering virtual education to children as young as six. She emphasized the critical nature of kindergarten, first, and second grades in developing foundational skills in literacy and math. Despite having reservations, the district decided to provide the virtual option to accommodate families concerned about in-person learning.
Frank Vetter, the principal of the virtual program, understood the district’s rationale behind cutting the first and second grades from the program. However, he acknowledged that it was an unfortunate decision. Vetter highlighted the program’s more rigorous curriculum, stating that it could be preferable for students who worry about falling behind their peers. He also mentioned that young students with extenuating medical circumstances can still attend school online through home-hospital teaching, where teachers provide one-on-one instruction at the students’ homes.
The board’s decision to make cuts resulted in the removal of some teaching positions from the virtual program. Vetter noted that efforts were made to relocate those teachers to other positions within a short period of time. He praised the program for being a lifesaver for families, particularly those with students who struggle with traditional in-person learning.
While the decision to exclude first and second graders from the virtual program aims to address budgetary concerns, it raises questions about the impact on young students’ educational opportunities. Some parents may find it challenging to balance the health concerns surrounding the pandemic and their child’s academic progress. The district’s flexibility allows families to combine the home-hospital teaching model with participation in the virtual program, offering a potential compromise for those seeking an alternative to in-person learning.
As FCPS moves forward, it is important to recognize the value and limitations of virtual education for young students. Delicate balances must be struck between budget considerations, students’ individual needs, and the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The decision to exclude first and second graders from the virtual program underscores the challenges faced by school districts in adapting to the changing education landscape.
