March 10th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

With members of the public in attendance at a meeting for the first time in a year, the Allegany County Board of Education heard from a number of parents Tuesday night, many upset that the board is not yet allowing for all students to return to school on a full-time basis. The board voted 3-2 during last night’s session at the Career Center to approve a new schedule that will see full days in place for four days a week beginning March 22^nd- and five days a week starting on April 12^th-  albeit continuing with the split A/B configuration. Parents addressing the board were emotional at times in describing how difficult and stressful the past year of virtual learning has been for their families- and making a plea to allow all kids back in the classrooms full time…

Meanwhile the board’s vote for the new schedule was split. Board members Crystal Bender, David Bohn and Robert Farrell voted in support; with Deb Frank and Tammy Fraley casting no votes. Bender said she agrees with those parents in wanting to see all the kids return to school…

Frank called out her fellow board members who say they want to send kids back to school- only to vote in support of a hybrid plan instead.  Frank said the board does not have to accept the plan presented by the superintendent…