California’s schools superintendent says he expects classes for the state’s 6 million students to resume as usual in late August or September, but those classes will look radically different to maintain social distancing standards.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond also cautioned that before schools can open, they must have enough masks, sanitizer and wash stations for students and staff.
The news that school districts were planning to open as usual in late summer is likely a relief to parents, although the changes that will be required to welcome back students appear daunting.
Thurmond made his remarks before holding a virtual meeting with representatives from 1,000 California districts about the logistics of reopening school campuses.
The superintendent says he expects a mix of in-person and distance learning in the state's schools. Buildings will have to be rearranged so that fewer children are in classrooms, hallways and other common areas.
Some school administrators have told state officials that some parents want distance learning to continue while Covid-19 continues to be a threat.
Schools have been closed since mid-March.
