The majority of students at Mathews County Public Schools will continue to receive their instruction virtually, at least until the end of the calendar year.

That was the decision of the school board, meeting on Tuesday in the Harry M. Ward Auditorium at Mathews High School. The decision came after a public comment period, where several parents and one middle school student made a plea for the return to in-person instruction.

The decision did not seem to be an easy one for school board members, who all expressed sympathy for the difficulties that both students and teachers are facing on a daily basis with virtual instruction. However, in the end they voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation for its second nine weeks instructional delivery plan.

While the plan calls for most students to continue receiving their instruction online, students identified as being most vulnerable or having special needs by individuals schools may be offered the opportunity to receive in...