Urbana schools using parent, staff input on fall reopening plans

Urbana City Schools Superintendent Charles Thiel says the district is working on their finalized plan for the fall reopening. This is him walking into the 4th Grade Unit at the new Urbana Elementary and Junior High School a little over a year ago. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Urbana City Schools Superintendent Charles Thiel says the district is working on their finalized plan for the fall reopening. This is him walking into the 4th Grade Unit at the new Urbana Elementary and Junior High School a little over a year ago. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Urbana City Schools are working on reopening plans for the fall by using a team of school officials to get feedback from parents and staff.

“We know everyone is anxious to find out how we will conduct instruction this fall,” said Superintendent Charles Thiel. “A team of administrators and faculty has been meeting to review the input from parents and staff and plan for the reopening of our schools.”

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The district conducted a parent and staff survey to get feedback on how to reopen the school safely and effectively provide academic support for students, Thiel said. They received over 570 responses.

Based on the survey results, Thiel said some families responded that they would like an online learning option for their child.

“Online programming alternatives are being investigated as part of our reopening plan,” he said.

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Plan details including symptom checks, masks, cleaning and social distancing have not been released. However, Thiel referred to Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidance documents on reopening schools.

The guidelines state that it is essential to conduct daily health checks before students go to school each day, hand wash and sanitize, thoroughly clean and avoid shared materials, social distance of six feet or more and implement a face coverings policy.

Thiel said his goal is to release the finalized reopening plan around July 22.

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