BOARDMAN — The board of education has approved terms with AltaCare Group to provide additional support for intervention with at-risk, remote learners.

It’s an addendum to an existing contract from last July between Boardman Local School District and Alta Care Group, 7620 Market St., not to exceed $22,500.

The contract addition will be used to provide for Elementary Student Support and Engagement Specialists. These specialists will assist students in getting back up to speed prior to the governor’s anticipated full return to in-class learning.

“There is a cost to the district but we are using CARES (Act) dollars to cover the additional expenditure,” said Boardman Superintendent Tim Saxton.

He said 286 students returned to in-class learning this week, bringing Boardman’s number of students attending in person to 76 percent.

“We did have several come back, which is a very good thing,” Saxton said. “We still have many who are on remote and are struggling.”

The additional contract will provide for a specialist at Robinwood, West Boulevard and Stadium Drive elementary school buildings.

These specialists will work with staff, students and families to ensure students are engaged and on track. They will offer therapy for those who may need it.

Saxton said having the students back in the classroom will help them get back on track. He realizes that some may need therapy when they return.

“The number will be greater than ever before,” he said. “COVID has caused higher anxiety in both students and adults.”

DeWine has stated that Ohio has prioritized getting K-12 students back in schools by March 1 because many adolescents’ social-emotional and mental well-being have been impacted by the pandemic.

“We know some of our students have not been in the classroom in months — it’s taking its toll,” he said. “For some, remote learning works, for others, it doesn’t. We are in danger of too many kids struggling for too long if they don’t get back to school in person.”

The Alta addendum is effective from Jan. 25 through April 30, or until earlier terminated, depending on need.

Of the 286 students who returned this week, Saxton said a small percentage have been working remotely since last March.

“Some returning students switched from in-person to remote earlier in the school year and now are returning,” he said.

The Elementary Student Support and Engagement Specialists will provide services in the school, the student home, by phone, and other electronic venues, such as Zoom.

It is expected that each student will receive one to two hours of service per week. The ultimate goals will be to bring back low-performing remote students, engage students in online learning that may have medical barriers to attending in person, and support the potential attendance demands that come from the governor regarding a return to in-person learning.