While other area schools return to virtual learning, La Crosse School District postpones again

For the sixth time since postponing for the first month, the La Crosse School District has had to push back getting students back into the classroom once again.

The district is now saying virtual learning will go on until at least Nov. 15.

While Onalaska, West Salem and Holmen all return to virtual learning after a week in the classroom, La Crosse is remaining cautious in bringing students back so it can be done for at least two weeks.

“Our goal is to create some stability,” La Crosse Schools superintendent, Dr. Aaron Engel said earlier this month. “It takes us a little while to switch our transportation, to change our food service program, to establish special education and our parents need some notice to be able to arrange child care if things change, as well.”

According to the district, both primary and secondary metrics are not set up to open the schools. The primary metrics indicate virtual learning should continue and the secondary metrics show virus conditions in the community are getting worse.

Last week the district did say it was looking into models to bring back students, especially for the lower grades, and it re-stated that again Wednesday but for strictly kindergarten through second-graders.