KINGMAN – The Kingman Unified School District (KUSD) temporarily reverted from a hybrid instruction model to virtual learning only when the winter semester began Monday, January 4. The decision came during two hours of debate and at least a half dozen motions that ended in split 2-2 votes during the December 30 special governing board meeting.

Superintendent Gretchen Dorner’s recommendation to change back to an online learning model for at least two weeks was based on concerns about increasing numbers of students and staff infected or exposed to the coronavirus. Board President Charlie Lucero’s motion to adopt Dorner’s plan was approved by a 3-1 vote with member Jen Shumway dissenting.

The current plan is that the 7,000 students in the district will have the option of switching back to a hybrid delivery model on January 19. The board could change course and extend the virtual learning model during their January 12 meeting if COVID-19 case counts continue increasing.

Shumway and board member Beth Weisser hinted they may vote to extend the virtual learning only model during that meeting because they believe case counts will continue rising after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Dave Hawkins