ELKHORN, Neb. (KMTV) — It was a packed house at the Elkhorn school board meeting, the last one before the district will open their doors next week.
More than 100 parents and staff were in attendance, a majority urging the district to keep schools open.
Elkhorn Public Schools board members reiterated to parents that the school will have their doors open for students, despite the change in Omaha Public School's plan to start remotely.
The school district offers remote learning as well.
One of the parents KMTV spoke with says only 5.5% of parents chose to have their kids learn online at home. The rest will be in school on the first day, August 18th.
Elkhor says there will be safety guidelines in place, despite some parents even questioning why their kids had to wear masks to begin with at Monday night's meeting.
One mother says she would like the district to think about longer times for students in between classes and send out an explanation on how schools will be handling absences in the case of an outbreak.
Cari Wilkie, an Elkhorn resident, is excited for in-person learning.
"After hearing what everyone had to say, I’m just happy that they're sticking to their decision and they are not be swayed by one party or the other," Wilkie said. "If you don’t want to send your kid to school, there is an online learning program. If you want to send your kids to school, you have the option to do so.”
An incoming Elkhorn High senior, Avery Sufficool, says opening up the school gives her some hope, despite 2020 being a very tough year.
"For a lot of stuff OPS decides, I think Elkhorn is close by just because we are pretty close," Sufficool said. "I am glad to know that Elkhorn is taking the lead on this.”
Many parents spent time talking about their child's mental health during this extended break.
Many of them say their kids need to be in school, sports and around their peers to be happy.
The Elkhorn school board says they are working closely with Douglas County Health in the case of an outbreak or an increase in positive cases.
The school board added parents should be flexible and patient if the in-person plan changes during the year.
