Wake County School Board Revisits Remote Learning Days Policy
Parents have historically pushed back against remote learning following the pandemic, citing concerns about internet access, student engagement, and disparities in learning outcomes.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 29, 2025 — The Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) Policy Committee held discussions Tuesday about reinstating remote learning days, a policy previously set aside following community concerns. The conversation comes as North Carolina law allows districts to use up to five remote instruction days for emergencies such as severe weather and energy shortages. However, WCPSS currently does not utilize them.
Board members revisited the district’s 2022 decision not to implement remote learning days, which was influenced by negative feedback from parents and educators. Many parents had resisted remote learning following the pandemic, citing concerns about internet access, student engagement, and disparities in learning outcomes.
Currently, WCPSS policy requires that the district exhaust other options, such as banked days, make-up days, and teacher workdays, before using remote learning days. However, some board members questioned whether greater flexibility should be considered, allowing remote learning to be implemented earlier when necessary.
One central discussion point was whether all students would have equal access to remote learning. Some board members raised concerns about students lacking internet access during weather-related closures and whether hotspot distribution programs were still in place. Others noted that remote learning can be challenging for younger students, who require more hands-on instruction and parental involvement.
Another issue discussed was the potential inconsistency in student learning. Board members acknowledged that while some students might thrive in a remote environment, others could fall behind due to power outages, internet disruptions, or family responsibilities, leaving teachers to address significant learning gaps when schools reopen.
Despite these challenges, some board members pointed out the advantages of remote learning days. A structured remote learning plan could:
Reduce the need for in-person make-up days, helping to avoid disruptions to the school calendar.
Allow for better preparation in case of severe weather events or emergencies that result in extended closures.
Align with 21st-century learning, particularly in middle and high schools, where students rely heavily on digital resources and online coursework.
No final decision was made during the meeting, but the board agreed to continue exploring the issue. Board members requested examples of remote learning plans from other school districts to assess how similar policies have been implemented successfully. Additionally, discussions may continue regarding whether remote learning should remain a last-resort option or be used more proactively when appropriate.
As staff gathers more information, the issue will likely return to the board for further consideration in the coming months.