SPRINGFIELD – Many people had differing opinions on the continuation of remote learning due to COVID-19 over the past year. Some parents said they preferred having their kids home, while others wanted them back in the classroom with teachers and peers. With the variety of viewpoints and COVID-19 still prevalent, Springfield Public Schools is now seeking feedback on the possibility of a virtual school for the 2021-2022 school year.

On April 26, the Springfield Public Schools Facebook page posted a survey to find out how many families would be interested in a virtual schooling option for their child. According to the post, “At a virtual school, students would complete most or all of their schooling from home though some learning and extracurricular activities could be offered in person.”

Springfield Public Schools anticipates a full return to in-person learning in the fall, but said in the post that they want to provide multiple education options for Springfield families. The survey is the first step in this process.

According to Azell Cavaan, chief communications officer for Springfield Public Schools, talks of the virtual school are in preliminary stages right now. There have been no concrete plans made or steps taken to start this school yet, as they need to see the parents’ response first.

“There is no information to share at this point about the virtual school. There are no plans underway at this point. We are conducting a survey to see if there’s interest from parents at this point, so it’s very preliminary right now,” she said. “In a couple of weeks when we have gathered some information from parents, if it’s something that enough parents are interested in moving forward with or just what the next steps will be, there may be more to talk about at that point.”

The Springfield Public Schools Facebook post said that the district plans to make a decision about launching a virtual school by June.

Reactions from Springfield parents online seemed mixed. Some praised Springfield Public Schools for giving kids the option to learn from home, while others continued to advocate for in-person learning.

“I’m thrilled there’s an option. My youngest thrived at home. It’s good that both are available,” said Maryanne English-Betie on the Facebook post.

Susan S. Johnson agreed.

“I'm glad there will be a choice,” she said.

Lisa Marie Johnson-Salzarulo had a differing opinion.

“Put the kids back in school. Parents are using it as an excuse to not go back to work… and kids need the socialization,” she said.
This would not be the first announcement of a virtual school in the area. At a recent Westfield School Committee Meeting, plans for a K-8 Virtual School for the 2021-2022 school year were approved.

Springfield residents interested in taking the survey can do so at bit.ly/spsvirtualschool. Future updates and information on the virtual school will be available on the Springfield Public Schools Facebook page and website.