UPDATE: 3 p.m. June 11, 2020
KINGWOOD — Preston County Schools is reconsidering an outdoor high school graduation and promises a decision will be made at the next board of education meeting.
On Wednesday, two days after Preston cancelled graduation, Gov. Jim Justice said outdoor graduations can be held, beginning June 22, if COVID-19 protections are observed. Thursday, Preston School Superintendent Steve Wotring asked the county health department if it still opposes the graduation.
And in a post on the Preston County Schools Facebook page Thursday afternoon, Wotring said graduation will be on the next board of education agenda for “hopefully, what will be our final decision.”
The board’s next regular meeting is June 22.
“I’m so sorry for the ongoing roller coaster that this has been but so much of it has been beyond my control,” Wotring wrote.
“Making decisions to honor our children while being charged with the health and safety of our community in this decision is not something I take lightly. I’m honestly not sure there is a right answer here.”
On Monday, Wotring said Preston High was canceling its June 18 outdoor graduation, based on the recommendations of Preston Health Department Director V.J. Davis.
Thursday morning, Assistant Superintendent Brad Martin said that “Mr. Wotring has reached back out to our local health officials within the local health department to seek potential approval for the ceremony. Pending that approval, we have not set a date as of yet.”
The decision to cancel Preston’s ceremony unleashed a firestorm of criticism on social media, where people pointed out that Monongalia and Taylor counties are holding outdoor ceremonies.
Martin said that, “The other districts have been granted permission by their health departments. Right now we do not want to proceed without the permission of the local health department.”
In his statement, Davis said that, “we just feel there is no way we can sign off on a potential gathering of up to 900 people even with the governor increasing gathering sizes to 100 people.”
That’s based on a class of about 300 graduates with two guests each.
“The chances of having asymptomatic individuals in that large of a crowd is almost a given,” Davis wrote. “The chances of keeping people from gathering for pictures, hugs, handshakes, etc. is also almost impossible to prevent.”
Among the rules handed down by the governor for outdoor graduations are:
- Six feet of social distancing is required. Members of the same household may sit close to one another; however, household groups must maintain six feet of social distancing from one another.
- Face masks or coverings are strongly encouraged
- Six feet of social distance must be designated between graduates
- Handshaking and hugging are not permitted
- Directional signage must be prominently posted to guide families to seating
- A system should be established to maintain separation of families wanting to take pictures of graduates
- Avoid crowding in common spaces by designating entry and exit points. As needed, enlist assistance from local public health officials to create crowd-flow plans and local law enforcement to direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic
- Hand sanitizer stations should be provided throughout the area
- Markings must be placed on the ground for six feet of social distance between graduates in line to receive diplomas/certificates
- Consider issuing tickets to better control crowd size
- A system for distributing diplomas, certificates or other materials must include best practices of six feet of social distancing, proper hand washing/sanitizing hygiene protocols and best practices to preserve public health
KINGWOOD — Preston County Schools is asking the county health department if it still opposes holding an outdoor Preston High graduation.
That request was made Thursday, the day after Gov. Jim Justice said that outdoor graduations can be held, beginning June 22, if certain COVID-19 protections are observed.
On Monday, Preston Superintendent Steve Wotring said PHS was canceling its planned June 18 outdoor graduation, based on the recommendations of Preston Health Department Director V.J. Davis.
“Mr. Wotring has reached back out to our local health officials within the local health department to seek potential approval for the ceremony,” Assistant Superintendent Brad Martin said about 10 a.m. Thursday. “Pending that approval, we have not set a date as of yet.”
The decision to cancel Preston’s ceremony unleashed a firestorm of criticism on social media, where people pointed out that Monongalia and Taylor counties are holding outdoor ceremonies.
Martin said that, “The other districts have been granted permission by their health departments. Right now we do not want to proceed without the permission of the local health department.”
In his original statement, Davis said that, “we just feel there is no way we can sign off on a potential gathering of up to 900 people even with the governor increasing gathering sizes to 100 people.”
The number was based on a class of about 300 graduates with two guests each.
“The chances of having asymptomatic individuals in that large of a crowd is almost a given,” Davis wrote. “The chances of keeping people from gathering for pictures, hugs, handshakes, etc. is also almost impossible to prevent,” Davis said.
