Evers calls schools’ virtual learning decisions ‘messy’

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers says local decisions on whether to do online learning in the face of the pandemic have been “messy” but isn’t offering any advice on what Wisconsin schools should do next semester.

Evers’ administration has left it up to individual school districts to decide whether to hold virtual classes or open for in-person instruction in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. But concerns about the long-term effects of isolation on children and the effectiveness of online learning have been growing as the pandemic lingers.

Asked during a news conference Thursday how schools should approach the second semester, Evers said that the patchwork of decisions to close or remain open has been messy and online learning has resulted in less than “divine” outcomes.