Des Moines Public Schools have started online classes, but it was the same day an injunction to start classes 100% online was denied by a Polk County judge. | Pixabay
Des Moines Public Schools have started online classes, but it was the same day an injunction to start classes 100% online was denied by a Polk County judge. | Pixabay
Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) have started online classes, but it was the same day an injunction to start classes 100% online was denied by a Polk County judge.
“The court's decision today recognizes that we are correctly interpreting Iowa law and I remain committed to working with Des Moines Public Schools on their Return to Learn plan so that it meets the educational and health needs of Iowa's children," Gov. Kim Reynolds said in response to the judge's decision, We Are Iowa reported.
Superintendent Thomas Ahart said the school district needs more flexibility than what the state is currently allowing.
“We are disappointed in today’s ruling denying our request for a temporary injunction to allow DMPS to begin the year online. The school board proceeded with online learning only after serious consideration of all options, due to the alarming rise of COVID-19 in our community. Local control has long been at the heart of school operations in our state. In these unprecedented times, we need more flexibility, not less, and we believe that is what the legislature intended to provide us," he said in a released statement, We Are Iowa reported.
While the school board discusses what to do next, online school will continue. Ahart also made it clear that these days of online learning will be counted toward the required 180 days of school.
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