Schools prepare plans for fall as answers for upcoming academic year are expected this week
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Minnesotans are expecting answers on Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Education on what school will look like this fall.
In Osseo, the school district is creating a distance learning academy.
In a letter to parents, it states the academy will be available to all K-12 students and will be separate from the three models it is already preparing for amid the COVID-19.
"We’re really trying to create a consistent and common experience that’s going to cause as little distraction as possible for students and families throughout the course of the school year knowing that the physical sites might shift in and out of different models," said Anthony Padrnos, executive director of Technology with Osseo Area School District
Families, however, will need to decide by Aug. 9 if they want to register, and the district says it’s a full school year commitment if you go to the academy.
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School districts discuss what upcoming school year might look like
So far, Padrnos says 200 students are registered, and the district is anticipating that number could be between 2,000 and 4,000 next month.
"I truly believe there’s going to be some long-term benefits and opportunities to our education system as we move forward," he added.
In Minneapolis, the school board meets Tuesday night and is expected to recommend the district begin the school year via distance learning.
A number of contracts for distance learning materials will also be discussed, things like art supplies and physical education equipment, science kits and internet hot spots that could cost more than two million dollars.
The KSTP/Survey USA poll questioned 1,000 people online between July 24 and July 27 asking their opinion on whether public school students should head back to school in the fall through distance learning, in person, a hybrid model or not at all.
Thirty-six percent of respondents chose hybrid learning.
When asked who should make the decision on if and how schools open, 41 percent of those polled said it should be left up to individual school districts.
The governor is set to announce the state’s official plans for fall on Thursday.