Grand Island Public Schools is planning to have all students in the classroom this school year, with mandatory face coverings for students and staff.
The district announced its lengthy plan for the academic year Wednesday night. It includes three models schools will follow depending on the status of COVID-19 in the community.
GIPS officials say the intention is to open with the least restrictive plan, which would have all students in the building unless the family requests e-learning instead.
About 3,600 people responded to a survey about re-opening, and Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover says those responses heavily influenced the plan.
"About 30% of our parents stated that closing the schools impacted their ability to remain employed. And about 27% said that there is no one at home to help their students with e-learning," Grover said. "So with that being said, there is no doubt that we have to do everything without our power to open our school buildings, even with COVID-19, in August."
The plan is based on recommendations from local and national health officials, and guidelines from the CDC and the state Department of Education. It includes in-depth sanitizing requirements and says all students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms daily, including temperature checks.
Every student will be given a face mask. Mandatory face covering policies have been controversial for other districts, like Lincoln Public Schools.
In a Grand Island Public School community town hall on Facebook Wednesday night, several parents said they would not allow their kids to wear a mask at school.
The district is asking parents who want to do virtual learning in the fall to request that option by July 17.