WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WBEN) - A small group of parents and students protested outside of Williamsville Schools on Monday morning as frustration continues over the district's decision-making on reopening.
District leaders reneged on their plans to begin the year in a hybrid model last Thursday. Instead of the entire district operating in a hybrid system, district officials announced that students in grades 5-through-12 would begin learning entirely from home starting this Tuesday.
"Last time we did that, it was very taxing to my mental health and the mental health of my peers," a 16-year-old junior at Williamsville North told WBEN. "We were all doing very bad because of it."
This student said in the brief time that students was productive.
Parents, meanwhile, continue to voice their concerns. Many are confused about what the district's plan for the future is and also remain upset that the district is not providing a quality education that the district is known for.
"My particular children are very involved in the music program," Kimberly Henretta, a parent of two high school students, said. "My son is taking over six music classes, which is almost impossible to do virtually."
Henretta lauded the district for their operations in the brief time her kids were in the hybrid model.
"It's really heartbreaking," she added. "It would have been different if the district a month ago had said we're all going remote. We could have planned for it. Even if it was shut down for COVID-related issues, they can accept that. They can't accept that the leaders of this district have failed them and not come up with a plan."
Dan Raczka, a parent of two children in the district, wants the to see district officials and the teacher's union to come to an agreement.
"I still haven't figured out how things are supposed to be run totally when they were going to school," Raczka said. "My wife had stuff printed out. I talked with my kids on how to access things online myself so I can see what's going on. It keeps changing. I keep trying to change with it but I feel like I'm left in the dust."
Acting Superintendent John McKenna said last week that their previous plan could not be implemented.
"It disadvantages some of our students and separates them from the rest of the school community," McKenna said. "We know this is the best road for our students at this time."