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WINTON – Hertford County Public Schools will remain on Option C (remote learning) for at least one additional month due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 virus.

At its scheduled meeting here Monday, the Hertford County Board of Education decided to continue with Option C for January 2021.

The second semester of the 2020-21 school year begins Jan. 4.

HCPS Superintendent Dr. William T. Wright Jr. said the decision was made after careful consideration of data and information received from Albemarle Regional Health Services as well as from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and following a survey taken among the citizens and families served by the school district.

Wright added that the school board is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 25 where learning options will be addressed for the remainder of the second semester.

Additionally, the local school board made a decision at Monday’s meeting to allow the basketball teams at the high school to start practice on Dec. 15. This is in anticipation of the upcoming season that is slated to begin Jan. 4.

Wright said if and when games are played, they will have no-in person attendance and will be livestreamed. Student-athletes as well as the coaching staff must adhere to strict guidelines established by the CDC, DHHS, and the NC High School Athletic Association.

Parents and guardians of student-athletes will also receive a document for their review and signature before those players are allowed to participate.

“I want to ensure you that all of the decisions that we make take into consideration what’s best for our students and staff. These decisions are not easy,” Dr. Wright stressed. “These decisions require thought. As we continue to move forward, I want to again ask that you continue to remain safe, and diligent in all that you do. I look forward to seeing you all on the other side of this pandemic.”