Task force talks reopening plan for Arizona schools after COVID-19 closure
May 5, 2020, 4:35 AM | Updated: 8:25 am
PHOENIX – A task force designed to plan for schools reopening in Arizona after the coronavirus pandemic had its first meeting Friday.
The task force will develop guidance and identify essential resources that will be needed to safely open schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
“While it is impossible to predict the future of this virus and what our public health situation may look like in July or August, teachers and schools must have a roadmap in order to safely plan for different contingencies,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said in a press release Monday.
The task force is also working on recovery planning, tracking schools’ on-going needs and improving infrastructure for distance learning.
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The group is comprised of educators, school nurses, principals, superintendents, charter organization leaders and education stakeholder groups.
It also accounts for input from parents.
The task force will work closely with the Arizona State Board of Education, Arizona Department of Health Services and the Governor’s office.
Arizona schools initially closed schools March 15 for two weeks to mitigate the spread of coronavirus
On March 30, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Hoffman announced the remainder of the school year was canceled.
