In light of the rising COVID-19 case incidence rate and restrictions announced by Gov. Larry Hogan last night, the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will return to virtual meetings beginning on November 18, 2020, President Michelle Corkadel announced today.

Following months of virtual meetings due to the ongoing pandemic, the Board had met in person since October 7, 2020, in the Board Room at the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. The public had not been allowed to attend those meetings in person due to physical distancing requirements.

“I am incredibly disappointed that the spike in case numbers we are seeing has forced this decision,” Corkadel said. “However, we have a duty to do what is in the best interests our school system, our children, and our employees, and to do so in a manner that allows members to fulfill their obligations to the public that we, as a Board serve. As is the case with students and school buildings, it is my hope we can resume in-person meetings as soon as possible.”

The case incidence rate, which measures the average number of new cases per 100,000 county residents over a seven-day period, was 9.5 at the Board’s first in-person meeting on October 7. As of Monday, that rate had risen to 21.9.

In accordance with a motion passed by the Board in September, meetings will continue to be held at 6 p.m. through December 2, 2020.

The Board is continuing to plan to allow limited live public testimony on agenda items at the November 18, 2020, and subsequent meetings. It will also continue to accept written testimony on agenda and non-agenda items. Details on those processes will be announced later this week.

Board meetings will continue to be broadcast live on AACPS-TV and AACPS’ YouTube channel.