Franklin Regional students sign petition requesting more support from district

Franklin Regional school officials are asking for feedback from students about this year’s educational model, a few days after a Change.org petition titled “Franklin Regional Students Need Support” garnered more than 1,000 signatures online.

High school Principal Ron Suvak said students would receive a form on Tuesday “seeking feedback on the first semester — what’s working for them, and what they need from us.”

Many of those who signed the petition reference the workload on students, as well as the difficulties and stress associated with online learning — particularly for those with mental health issues. A significant number of comments referenced students’ concerns going unheard by teachers and the administration.

“We want student voices to be heard,” Suvak said at Monday night’s school board meeting. “And we want that data to drive the decisions we make moving into the second semester.”

Suvak acknowledged that some students are struggling “to various levels, and it’s our mission to help students succeed, and to support those who are struggling.”

Superintendent Gennaro Piraino said he understood criticism of the high school’s hybrid model, with students learning online three days per week, but that it was part of the district’s commitment to keeping schools open.

“We signed (the state attestation form), and part of it is ensuring 6 feet of distance,” Piraino said. “And we just can’t do that at the high school without the hybrid model.”

Suvak agreed.

“Nobody would have done this voluntarily, and it’s been a really heavy lift for everyone involved to get us to the point where we are, almost a semester into the year,” he said.

Piraino thanked students, families and staff for their flexibility.

“There’s no blueprint for this,” he said.