Wayne County Public Schools is considering altering its high school graduation plans.
After originally announcing drive-in graduation ceremonies due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear not everyone was behind that plan during a special called meeting of the Wayne County Board of Education on Friday.
Wayne County interim Health Director Ken Stern urged the board to keep safety at the forefront.
School board member Jennifer Strickland says the guidance from the state has not been clear, and she wanted to hear more about what the actual students would prefer.
WCPS Communications and Public Information Officer Ken Derksen said any new plans would still be contingent upon state regulations, and he cautioned against giving seniors “false hope.”
School Board Chair Chris West noted not every senior would be able to attend a potential July graduation.
WCPS will ask its high school principals to plan a potential graduation ceremony that would take place on the school’s athletic field possibly later in the summer.
Those plans would need to adhere to any further gathering size and social distancing guidance that comes down from the state and public health officials.
The district is also planning to ask for student input on how they’d prefer their graduation ceremonies to look this year.
Further steps on the WCPS commencement plans may be taken at a school board meeting set for this Wednesday.
