Online learning will continue for Savannah-Chatham students ‘until further notice’

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System won’t be returning to in-person learning on Sept. 8.

The school system states based on the most recent data, it does not appear that the pandemic is slowing at a rate fast enough to return to in-person teaching and learning by that date.

The School Board approved a delay of the academic calendar start date in July. They say at that time, they were hopeful that transmission rates would be reduced to a safe level for a possible return to face to face operation by Labor Day, but that is no longer the case.

The numbers they are looking at are the community transmission index which is considered high at 100 cases per 100,000 residents. Chatham County, as of August 24, sat at 337.1.

They say while the numbers are declining, it’s not enough.

But the district is also looking at the daily case rate, which in Chatham County is in the second highest range at 20.1.

While the goal is to have low transmission and case rates, the district doesn’t have a magic number.

The superintendent was not available for an interview, but a district spokesperson says they are currently discussing and developing a phased return plan which would bring back special education students and their youngest learners first.

Right now, the district says they will continue with virtual instruction until further notice.

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