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Local districts evaluate remote learning options heading into new school year

COVID-19 forced children out of the classroom and into remote learning -- it was a school year unlike any we’ve ever seen.

As the year comes to a close, local school districts are already making plans for a normal school year in the fall.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board members will discuss a possible expanded virtual option at their meeting Tuesday night.

This would go beyond their existing virtual high school.

In Cabarrus County, citing declining cases and vaccine availability, the district will be doing away with the fully remote learning option at each school.

Instead, families who want that option can enroll in Cabarrus Virtual Academy, which will be a separate, primarily remote K-12 school that started back in August.

“I like that they’re still giving people an option, but not imposing it on everybody that wants their kids back to normal,” parent Kelsie Bailey said.

Union County told Channel 9′s education reporter Elsa Gillis they plan to offer a remote learning option if it is a state mandate. Otherwise, they will continue with their high school virtual academy.

(WATCH: Virtual learning gives CMS new challenges in preventing bullying)