BUCKHANNON — The state Department of Education has denied Upshur County Schools’ waiver request regarding returning to in-person learning in schools.

Upshur County Schools submitted a waiver to the state on Wednesday asking to have four days of in-person learning per week in the county’s schools and a 2 p.m. dismissal, as opposed to the five-days of in-person learning recommended Tuesday by the state Board of Education.

The following message was posted to Upshur County Schools’ Facebook page Thursday evening:

“Upshur County School stakeholders met virtually on Thursday, Feb. 25, to proactively plan for the return to in-person instruction.

“The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) advised that Upshur County students return to in-person learning either four days per week with a 3:15 p.m. dismissal time, or five days per week with a 2 p.m. dismissal time. Upshur County School stakeholders are collecting survey results from school employees regarding the approach that will best support students.

“The Upshur County Board of Education will meet in emergency session on Monday, March 1 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the stakeholder data.

“Upshur County Board of Education Vice-President Katie Loudin, said, ‘At this time, students will return to school on Monday, March 1, four days per week with a 2 p.m. dismissal, as voted on Feb. 23. We anticipate an adjustment to this schedule after the emergency board meeting.’

“Dr. Tammy Samples, Upshur County Board of Education president, said, ‘We are disappointed that we had to modify our waiver request; however, we are working to do what is best for our students, their families, and our employees.'”