“Each learning level will come with its own set of safety protocols that could include social distancing, facial coverings when social distancing is not possible or practical, more frequent sanitizing and adjustments to the capacity within our building spaces. The learning levels are dependent on the current cases in our community, community spread and the ability of the district to operate safely,” said Superintendent Danielle Prohaska.
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The district will partner with the local health department to make decisions on what learning level they are in when school starts while the COVID-19 pandemic remains, Prohaska said.
“The district could move from one learning level to another as the situation in our community changes and evolves over the next school year. However, it is our goal to open up at 100% face-to-face capacity at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year,” she said.
Prohaska said the district is also working to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students when they return in the fall.
“I need you to know that our ultimate goal is to return in August at 100% capacity. One hundred percent capacity does not mean just like normal, but it does mean that we understand the need for our students to be back in a safe and supportive face-to-face learning environment,” she said. “Even at 100% capacity, there will be a need for safety protocols, for adjustments, and for blended and remote learning options.”
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Prohaska said all Champaign County schools are working with the local health department on finalizing reopening guidelines, which will include specific details on masks, transportation, social distancing procedures, food service, recess, building access, general symptom checks and other sanitization protocols.
“Once these guidelines are approved locally, we can begin to communicate more concretely with all of you about what each learning level will look like across our buildings,” she said.
Additional details to further explain the initial plans will be available in the coming weeks, Prohaska said.
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