Getting close to the start of the called school board meeting here in Augusta County. Around 50 already here, and more are showing up. Meeting starts at 7.

Augusta County called this meeting after previously voting last Thursday to uphold the Aug. 18 in-person start date.

Getting underway, last week the board voted 5-2 to move ahead with the start date.

In the week since, Staunton and Waynesboro schools voted to move forward with all-virtual starts.

Goforth, Swortzel and Ocheltree open with apologies to teachers for statements made during last week's meeting that may have been offensive.

Several members of the board reiterate their teaching experience and assure the people that they're standing up for teachers.

Delegations beginning now. Opening speaker from Gordonsville urges board to once again uphold start date, as parents deserve a choice in their child's education.

Next up is Reuben Siskin, from Augusta County Education Association, asks for more time to ensure a safe environment for children. Asks for mandatory masks, and for either a delay in start to Sept. 8 or an all-virtual start.

An Augusta County teacher discusses potential problems with Virtual Virginia, the digital curriculum Augusta County will be using.

As of right now, Virtual Virginia is not opening up to teachers until Aug. 17, the day before school starts.

Dr. Amanda Guedes, infectious disease specialist, says that risks will not lower as time goes on and that the community can rise to meet this threat.