By The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Alabama is announcing its plan to operate schools this fall.
State School Superintendent Eric Mackey scheduled a news conference for Friday morning to lay out a blueprint for state school districts to reopen in a matter of weeks.
Traditional school will continue with some changes and remote learning options. There will also be strict cleaning protocols in school buildings and changes to some cafeterias are expected.
Individual schools will decide if students will be required to wear masks on campuses.
Many districts shut down traditional schools and switched to online or virtual learning in March, but such arrangements pose difficulties in rural areas where broadband internet connections are scarce. The state is investing more to provide advanced hardware to assist with connectivity in rural areas.
Mackey said the upcoming school year will be the most difficult the state has ever faced.
Trussville City Schools administrators will meet on Monday, June 29 to discuss plans. Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said there will be an online and an in-school option for students.
“Parents will choose which one they want,” said Neill. “And basically, curriculum in both options will be the same, because it has to be.”
St. Clair County Schools’ Leadership team will meet on Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1 to formulate plans. Superintendent Mike Howard said after plans are discussed, the leadership team will meet with board members and parent groups for input.
“We kind of know what kind of direction we’re heading, but until we meet with the whole team, we don’t have a whole lot,” said Howard.
Jefferson County Schools leaders will meet on July 7 to discuss plans and options.