Parents react to Boston Public Schools switch to remote learning

BOSTON — Lisa Maloney’s 4-year-old son Alex has autism. He finally started hybrid learning in Boston Public Schools.

She told Boston 25, “What has happened all these months is not OK, not just for him but for anybody else.”

Maloney says remote learning did not work for Alex.

“We did try the remote learning. But for six hours a day. That’s ridiculous,” she said.

>>MORE: Boston Public Schools switching to all remote-learning due to rising COVID-19 numbers

Despite her efforts, Alex lost significant progress.

“Since the summer he has not had anything and he has regressed severely,” Maloney said.

In the back of Maloney’s mind she worried BPS might shift back to a remote model if COVID cases were on the rise. On Wednesday, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made that call. Remote learning starts on Thursday.

That decision that also upsets other parents of students with high needs like Megan Castro.

“The main frustration is that this isn’t going to solve our problem the numbers are going up and not because of little kids in school,” Castro said.

Maloney agreed. “I was just frustrated. I’m like, ‘I’ve had enough,’” she said.

Luckily for Lisa and Alex, she had put him on wait lists for private schools. The strategy worked. Alex got the green light last week and started at a new private school this past Monday, avoiding the return to remote learning at BPS.

“Sheer luck,” Maloney said. “I was told I would be on a wait list but I was surprised how quick I was able to get him in.”

And Maloney added that she feels Alex is now getting the in-person instruction he needs.

“I’m very, very happy with how he’s making out so far,” she said.

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