Interview: State Education interim commissioner discusses educational plan deadline for districts

Families are still unsure of their back-to-school plans, and districts have until Friday to come up with plans on reopening, whether it’s remote, in-person or hybrid learning.

News 12 Staff

Jul 30, 2020, 11:44 PM

Updated 1,531 days ago

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Families are still unsure of their back-to-school plans, and districts have until Friday to come up with plans on reopening, whether it’s remote, in-person or hybrid learning. 
School districts statewide have had two weeks to come up with a plan on whether students and staff can return for in-person learning. 
Districts are allowed to apply for a one-week extension to solidify plans. 
"They've got to address their facilities, their transportation, the health and safety standards within their schools. How they're going to work and address the needs of students with disabilities, English language learners, what they're going to be doing to address the social and emotional needs of students in their schools,” said Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe. 
Neighboring districts could have different plans because of varying factors, such as enrollment. 
Tahoe says most administrators are trying to see if social distancing is even possible.
"They've actually had to take equipment, and tables, chairs, desks, out of classrooms and they're using their gyms to store all their equipment,” said Tahoe. 
Even if plans are made, they could change at a moment’s notice. She is asking that parents speak with their district and to be patient. 
"There does have to be some understanding that things might not be perfect because this has never happened before but everybody is trying their best to make it the best possible experience for all of our students,” said Tahoe. 
The state’s Department of Health and Department of Education will review the plans before submitting recommendations to the governor. 
Tahoe is advising checking district websites starting Friday, where plans will be laid out.