WMUR
By Jean Mackin
May 19, 2020

MANCHESTER, N.H. — New Hampshire school graded themselves in a teleconference with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen on Tuesday.

Educators said they passed the first test, making rapid transition to remote learning but also discovered areas that need improvement. Schools across the state said there was no instruction book on how to move to remote learning.

“The logistics that had to be put in place were pretty remarkable,” Assistant Superintendent of the Londonderry School District Scott Lailiberte said.

Schools handed out devices and devised new lesson plans, but educators said New Hampshire needs a permanent fix so everyone has access to the internet.

“Just recently saw a teacher sitting outside a restaurant to teach each day to get the Wi-Fi infrastructure,” said Ronna Cadarett the Superintendent of the Northumberland School District.

Shaheen said the commitment to ensure every house has access to high speed internet is not yet in Congress but agreed it is something that needs to be done.

Educators said funding will be needed to reopen schools safely, possibly using more school busses, sanitizing classrooms regularly and clean air.

“I think that’s going to be a real need as we go through this pandemic, having our buildings well-ventilated, having the proper ventilation and systems in place,” said Russell Holden the Superintendent of the Sunapee School District. “I think it’s going to be really crucial.”

Students who struggled the most with remote learning could need extra educational or emotional support during the summer before school reopens, according to educators.