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By Lauren Johnson

Planning ahead for this coming school year, Troy City Schools is conducting a survey for parents to gauge how many would be interested in utilizing an online platform.

This online learning platform will be purchased by the state of Alabama for the local schools.

“We’re trying to figure out the best course of action going forward for the school in the fall, and this survey is strictly to get an estimate of how many students will be returning to school,” said Cynthia Thomas, interim superintendent of Troy City Schools.

The link for parents to complete the survey can be found at www.troyschools.net.

Thomas is aware of the anxieties parents may have with sending their children back to school in a face-to-face format during this corona virus situation, so she believes it is important to provide parents with a virtual option.

Thomas understands that parents would like to know more specifics about this virtual learning platform; however, the state superintendent’s task force is still working on these specific details. This survey will help to provide needed information such as how many teachers will be needed to teach in a traditional and virtual setting as well as how many devices will be needed.

“As of right now, the only thing I know is that the platform would mirror the state guidelines and standards. The state of Alabama is looking to put out a road map to all super intendants for guidance for school in the fall,” Thomas said.

Decisions are also still being made about how the school will follow the CDC guidelines moving forward.

“When we get more specifics we will share with our parents. The state will be sending us more information sometime next week,” Thomas said.

Once Thomas gets this information, she and her administrative team will get together to look over it, decide on a course of action, and release the information to parents.

“We want to be as effective as possible when we send out that information. We are waiting to hear from the State Department for the guidelines,” Thomas said.