HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Hollidaysburg Area School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to shift all students to virtual learning until Jan. 3.

The vote will effectively move the district’s three elementary schools — Charles W. Longer, Foot of Ten and Frankstown — from hybrid to virtual on Dec. 1. The junior and senior high schools have been using a virtual model since Nov. 16.

Prior to the vote, principals and teachers gave updates to the board on COVID-19 numbers and shared their perspectives on the virtual model.

Hollidaysburg High School Principal Maureen Letcher said there are currently nine active COVID-19 cases and 218 in quarantine at the high school. Junior High Assistant Principal Dale McCall said there are six active cases with 335 quarantined at the junior high school. Across the three elementary schools, there are 13 active cases and 119 quarantined, according to C.W. Longer Principal Brian Keagy.

Letcher and McCall said HASD’s virtual model has improved since it was used in the spring. The model now follows a standard class day, requiring students to join live sessions each period with teachers taking attendance.

Letcher said students seem to be more engaged through the virtual model now than before, while McCall said teachers report more class interactivity in the virtual model than in the hybrid.

Frankstown Elementary Principal William Madden recognized scheduling child care as a challenge for families of younger students.

To accommodate this, he said classroom lessons will be recorded and made available for later viewing. He discussed other adjustments, including devoting Fridays for parents to meet virtually with teachers.

Senior High Biology Teacher Kevin McCloskey spoke about his positive experience with the virtual learning model and asked the board to continue using it “for the time being.”

He said his attendance is now “through the roof,” that virtual learning offers consistency and allows teachers to meet with all students every day, covering more required content.

Board member Melissa Mitchell asked about how the high school and junior high are reaching students who are either struggling academically or with mental health concerns.

Letcher said case managers, counselors and paraprofessionals are offering virtual support for struggling students. She said for mental health concerns, school counselors and mental health agencies associated with the district are setting up phone and virtual meetings to connect to students and parents.

“We’re monitoring that all the time,” Letcher said.

Board member Lonna Frye brought the “new business” motion to shift students to a virtual model. No members of the public commented. Board member Rick Gallagher was not present for the vote.

Mirror Staff Writer Dom Cuzzolina is at 814-946-7428.