Middle school to hold remote classes until week’s end
‘Severe staff shortage’ is cited by district
Students who attend Eastpointe Middle School will get out of bed this morning and head to their computers for a return to remote learning expected through at least the end of the week.
Citing a “severe staff shortage,” Eastpointe Community Schools leaders announced there will be no in-person instruction taking place the middle school on Kelly Road, south of 10 Mile Road, principal Stephanie Fleming and Superintendent Ryan McLeod said last week in a letter to parents.
Instead, students will go back to a remote setting for their classes, according to the letter. That way, district officials will know students are learning from a certified staff member.
“This week, Eastpointe Middle School faced a number of resignations that created a severe staff
shortage,” the educators wrote in the letter. “For this reason, we are moving to remote instruction so the remaining staff can adequately instruct our students.”
The letter goes on to indicate remote learning will start today and last until Friday, March 24. Live teaching at the middle school is expected to start up again Monday, March 27.
Eastpointe school leaders say they hope to find enough personnel to restaff the positions. They did not state in the letter how many have left the district.
The letter does not indicate what is the driving force behind the staff shortage, or if the resignations were in response to a vaccine mandate.
McLeod, the school superintendent did not respond to an email and longtime school board President Jon Gruenberg did not respond to calls to his cellphone or emails.
Other board members, such as Vice President Chineva Earl said it was the board policy not to comment on matters from the media.
Officials in other Macomb County school district are watching with interest
how the Eastpointe situation plays out.
Jason Miller, a school board member in South Lake Schools, wrote on a social media post over the weekend, that his colleagues are on “high alert” about possible shortages impacting that St. Clair Shores educational community.
“Pay and bad administrative policies are playing a role,” in Eastpointe’s dilemma, he wrote, adding he was waiting for more specific details.
Students certainly are familiar with remote learning following the months after the COVID-19 health crisis forced at-home scenarios across the country. After implementing protocols such as installing hand sanitizer and the use of face masks in the classroom, the public school community was hopeful for a return to somewhat pre-COVID conditions.
The pandemic has exacerbated the problem of teacher shortages. The stresses of teaching in the COVID-era caused a spike in teacher retirements and resignations. On top of that, schools now have to hire all kinds of additional staff, like tutors and special aides to help kids make up for learning losses, and more teachers to run online school for those not ready to return.
About 59% of Michigan residents ages 12 and older have been fully vaccinated.
Eastpointe officials state in their letter that they are looking for interested people to hire on “in any capacity.” They are looking for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service workers and more. Parents can speak to their building principals or contact the human resources department at 586-5333009.