Supt. Ashley discusses reopening of schools

Blytheville Superintendent Bobby Ashley was a guest during Blytheville Mayor James Sanders’ Monday press conference and he discussed the latest update on the 2020-2021 school year.

According to Ashley, the last few weeks have been “extremely busy” with the school.

Ashley said, “We’ve been extremely busy with our schools, trying to figure these things out or sometimes trying to guess what the next move is because it is an ever changing event with us in trying to keep any program or anything. When we put the schedule together we are trying to keep the teachers’ and the kids’ safety first in mind.”

Ashley said Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced last week that the first day has been changed from Aug. 11 to between Aug. 24-26.

He also mentioned that parents will have the option to send their children to school for face-to-face learning or virtual learning.

Ashley addressed athletics, particular football, and band saying that he thinks that it “doesn’t look very favorable”.

“I’m not making the rules and things but having a football season with the band out there does not look very favorable to be honest with you,” Ashley said. “I hope and pray that I’m 100 percent wrong on that but it does not look very favorable.”

Ashley said the reason for concern with band is because students can’t use brass or woodwind instruments.

Blytheville Schools Chris Williams stated that parents wanting their students to attend virtual learning 100 percent will need to enroll by Friday, July 17.

Ways to enroll are: on the school’s webpage, blythevilleschools.com, under the news item page, the social media page or pick up a packet from the school or administration building.

As of press time Tuesday, Mississippi County has 337 positive cases - 122 active with 212 recoveries and three deaths.

Also, 4,378 tests have come back negative.

There were 65 active cases in 72315 and 38 active in Osceola at press time.