Indianapolis Public Schools is delaying the start of school two weeks because of the recent spike in coronavirus cases.
The state's largest school district was supposed to start the year — with in-person and virtual options for instruction — on Aug. 3. At a board retreat Saturday, commissioners voted to push back the restart of the school year to Aug. 17 at the recommendation of Superintendent Aleesia Johnson.
“As I’ve acknowledged all along, this is a fluid situation and we will remain flexible,” Johnson said. “My job as superintendent is to look at all of the data from state and local health and government officials to make the best decision for our students and staff about the new school year. The decision to delay the opening of school by two weeks gives our community more time to ensure we are turning the tide on the number of positive COVID-19 cases and confirm we are doing the right thing.”
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Earlier this week, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the district would pause the state's reopening plan and keep Indiana at Stage 4.5 for an additional two weeks. The state has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks.
IPS is the latest of numerous school districts around the state to amend their reopening plans because of the recent surge.
Several of Marion County's township school districts voted earlier this week to push back their start dates. Washington Township Schools and Hamilton Southeastern voted this week to start the year virtually.
When IPS does start the year, it will still offer both full-time in-person and virtual options. Registration for the virtual option had closed Friday, but the district said Saturday it will reopen registration and give families more time to choose the option that will work best for them. Registration forms are available on the district's website.
When the district surveyed families earlier in the summer, as many as one-third said they would choose a full-time virtual option if the district offered one. Students that do physically return to school will have to wear masks. The district is implementing a number of safety measures, including social distancing requirements in classrooms and enhanced cleaning procedures.
School buildings across the state have been closed since mid-March when Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered them closed because of the pandemic.
Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at Arika.Herron@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.
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Indianapolis Public Schools pushing back the start of school two weeks due to coronavirus - IndyStar
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