Minnesota school officials grapple with learning plans amid surging COVID-19 cases

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Schools across Minnesota are struggling with learning plans amid surging COVID-19 cases.

Some of the state’s largest districts are having to adjust their plans for the rest of the year.

Some school districts are using a hybrid learning model, but with cases on the rise, school leaders say they may have to go back to distance learning.

The Minnesota Department of Health is keeping a close watch on schools across the state.

MAP: Data for K-12 schools by COVID-19 case rate

Blaine High School is among 13 new schools just added to the list for having five or more cases of COVID-19.

The possible changes would impact students in both middle and high school. Elementary students would not be affected.

School leaders say they are talking to both the Department of Education and health officials before they make a decision.

They plan to continue to monitor COVID-19 cases for at least another week before making any changes.

Parents have been very vocal about the possible shift; on Facebook, there are more than 150 comments on the topic via the Anoka-Hennepin district page.

In terms of schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul, both districts are still in distance learning.

Parents in Minneapolis are being asked to take a survey before any decisions are made. St. Paul school officials said they would re-evaluate their options next week.