What could Georgia schools look like this fall? State issues guidance amid COVID-19
The Georgia Department of Education released new guidelines Monday on how to safely reopen state schools amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Georgia’s Path to Recovery for K-12 Schools offers a “tiered approach with clear, actionable steps” meant to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff going into the 2020-2021 academic year, according to the document. The guidance’s main focus is on the necessary physical and heath requirements for returning schools to normalcy this fall.
“In partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health, we created these guidelines to give school districts a blueprint for safe reopening that is realistic in the K-12 setting,” Richard Woods, State School Superintendent for Georgia, wrote in the guidance.
As of June 1, the Peach State had more than 47,800 confirmed COVID-19 cases, over 2,000 deaths and more than 8,300 hospitalizations due to the virus, data from the Georgia Department of Public Health show. Schools across the state have been closed since mid-March in response to the pandemic.
“We have a responsibility to keep out students, teachers, school staff and families safe and to provide the best possible education for our children,” Woods added, according to the document.
The 10-page guidance provides recommendations for returning to schools, but is not a mandate or set of requirements issued by the state.
A school’s reopening plan is ultimately dependent on the level of spread of coronavirus within that specific community. That’s why the state is encouraging school districts in all areas to consult with their local public health departments to determine the best course of action, as well as participate in contact tracing.
Barbara Jacoby, communications director for Cherokee County Schools in northwest Georgia, told the Tribune Ledger News that they are thankful for the guidance and that the district is already in the process of developing its own reopening plan.
“The Superintendent has tasked an ad hoc committee, made up of staff, parents and partners to, this month, review all federal and state guidelines, as well as several reopening plan options being prepared by CCSD staff for: in-person reopening with additional safety and wellness enhancements; digital reopening with increased instruction time; and hybrid models,” she told the newspaper.
The state’s recommendations are as follows:
For schools with low/no community spread
In these schools, the state suggests posting signage in hallways, classrooms and entrances to communicate how best to stop the spread of the coronavirus (good hygiene, frequent hand washing, etc.) Schools are also encouraged to devise a plan for when students or staff fall ill or begin to show symptoms of COVID-19.
Among other prevention measures, students and staff are encouraged to wear face coverings in group settings; frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned/disinfected daily; and hand soap, sanitizer and no-touch trash cans should be available in all classrooms, restrooms and heavily trafficked areas, according to the guidance.
For schools with low/moderate community spread
These schools can return to a traditional learning environment, continue distance learning, or do a combination of the two.
Good hygiene measures should be reinforced, allowing students and faculty to bring their own sanitizer, face masks and other personal protective equipment to school, the guidelines state. Enhanced social distancing is encouraged and a deep cleaning of the building is recommended prior to students’ return to school.
For schools with substantial community spread
A fully remote learning environment is encouraged, with school leaders utilizing social media and other technology to communicate with students, staff and parents.
The guidance also provides recommendations for transporting students to and from school, transitioning between classes, serving meals and ensuring the safety of vulnerable/at-risk populations.