By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

(April 30, 2020) Members of the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education voted on Tuesday, April 21, to waive final exams following the extended school closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon declared Friday, April 17, that schools would now be closed until Friday, May 15, amid the growing number of covid-19 cases.

Dr. Annette Wallace

“Due to the mandated closure of our schools and the Continuity of Learning plan that we have developed due to the coronavirus, or covid-19, Worcester County Public Schools would like to waive the final exam for all semester to courses and yearlong courses for the 2019-2020 years in order to maintain equity and fairness for our students,” Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating officer and academic officer for grades 9-12, said.

“We’ve determined it is not in their best interests for these final exams to be administered,” she continued. “These exams were created with the mindset that our students who face the most challenges would be provided supports prior to the exam and during the exam and an equitable way.”

The recommendation follows the state’s application for a waiver for assessments and Maryland’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for the current school year.

Wallace told board members that she would keep them updated on the state’s waiver requests. Those requests will ensure waivers for assessments as well as service-learning requirements.

Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said during the meeting he was proud of how teachers, students and parents have been handling the situation.

“I want to say thank you to everyone for being supportive of our outstanding Worcester County Public School system,” he said. “I certainly hope that our community will join us on social media to celebrate our very, very hardworking teachers and the incredible amount of work they are doing.”

He also promised to provide a celebration for the graduating class of 2020.

The evening of Tuesday, April 21, Taylor shared a message for seniors about his plans to form a countywide graduation committee for the graduates.

“I know this year is not the same for you,” Taylor said in the YouTube message. “It’s not the same for any of us. I know many of you feel cheated or robbed of what should be one of the most joyous times of your young life. We certainly share that disappointment.

“As a class, you will get a direct hand in how we approach the celebration of your accomplishments,” he continued.

Taylor mentioned in the video that he was forming a special committee to prepare a graduation ceremony.

“With that committee, we will be looking to you, our seniors, through surveys and direct representation from your class leaders, to help us shape your graduating experience through these very difficult times,” Taylor said.

For more information about online learning or to contact Worcester County Public Schools, visit http://worcesterk12.org/home or the Worcester County Public Schools MD Facebook page.