North East ISD Superintendent tries to clear up confusion over conflicting pandemic guidelines

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News)- The superintendent of the North East Independent School District is trying to clear up confusion concerning conflicting COVID-19 guidelines.   He says parents are getting mixed messages about in-person instruction, as opposed to at-home learning.

“With so many guidelines, recommendations and expectations released by federal, state and local agencies, it is understandable that there is confusion,” NEISD superintendent Sean Maika said in a video posted on social media.

The director of  San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District last week advised families to move their children home for online learning while federal and state officials report that it is safe and necessary to return to schools.

“The Texas Education Agency requires that school districts offer in-person instruction and actually prohibits 100% online learning,”said Dr. Maika. “I know other school districts have canceled virtual learning. Let me be clear: you still have the option to choose online or in-person instruction for your child at NEISD.”

Maika said parents also have the option to change from virtual to in-person learning on select dates.

“As I have said, we will continue to provide virtual instruction for as long as TEA funds it and allows for this option,” said Maika. “We know that many of our children do well learning from home. We also know that many of our children need a classroom environment where they receive instruction and emotional support from their teachers.”