BREAKING NEWS: WCPS will hold in-person, on-field graduations at schools

Despite the recommendation of local health officials to move forward with the Berkeley Mall graduation plan, the Wayne County Board of Education voted Friday to allow members of the Class of 2020 to have traditional graduation ceremonies at their home schools.

The decision came after WCPS communications and public information officer Ken Derksen unwrapped, for the board, results of a survey sent to seniors that asked them if they would prefer to graduate at their home schools over the mall plan, despite the fact that there might be mask requirements and limited tickets — and goes against guidance from Gov. Roy Cooper and state and local health officials.

More than 750 of the county’s 1261 graduates responded to the survey and of those who completed the form, more than 80 percent, Derksen said, wanted to graduate on their home campus.

Derksen said the county’s results were in line with survey results from neighboring counties, “which is why you see Johnston County postponing to the end of July, early August.”

According to the Wayne County Health Department, as of today there are 344 local COVID-19 cases that are designated as “active.”

And last week, Dr. James Stackhouse, a medical consultant with the Wayne County Health Department, told board membersthat COVID-19 remains a threat to local residents and recommended that the school district continue with the Berkeley Mall graduation plan.

There is, he said, too much risk associated with mass gatherings — particularly for the local elderly and immunocompromised populations.

“We’ve not conquered (COVID-19),” he said then. “Social isolation needs to continue in some form.”

Board member Ven Faulk said he was in favor of on-campus graduations, but noted that WCPS needs to accommodate those who do not want to take the risk — perhaps at a lone Berkeley Mall ceremony for those from all schools who do not feel comfortable attending a mass gathering.

Derksen agreed and said there are other ways, including live-streaming the events, to ensure inclusivity.

Now, each school will have to figure out how many people it can accommodate in their respective football stadiums to determine details like how many tickets each student will receive.

“I think there’s still some work to be done,” Derksen said, adding that beyond numbers, local health officials need to be involved in the execution of these events, as well.

And Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Dr. Tim Harrell said given the size of some graduating classes — and the size of their respective football stadiums — it’s possible that schools including Charles B. Aycock would have to have two graduation ceremonies to accommodate guests.

Here is what we know about how these ceremonies will look. Details in bold have been confirmed by vote:

• Only 2 guests will be permitted per graduate

• Guests from different households will be required to sit six feet apart

• Both home and away bleachers could be used for seating and the stages could be located in the end zone

• All attendees are required to wear masks until they “get situated” in their seats and are socially distanced from others

• All attendees will be required to present a signed waiver before getting their ticket to the event, to limit liability for WCPS should attendees contract COVID-19

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