JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – During a workshop meeting Tuesday, the Duval County School Board continued its discussion on the process of reopening schools following months of COVID-19-related challenges.
According to the board, the plan as of Tuesday is to reopen schools on Aug. 10 with significant health protocols in place, new safety equipment and altered procedures for a variety of the district’s departments.
The outline discussed today doesn’t represent the final or complete version of Duval County Public School’s reopening, as there is much left to be decided and developed, according to the School Board.
Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene said the plan to reopen Duval County’s schools will follow CDC and Department of Education rules and guidelines whenever possible and that it was developed with input from local medical communities, employees, unions, parents, contract providers and other stakeholders.
Part of the district’s plan includes the purchase and installation of protective partitions for desks and tables that cannot be placed at least six feet apart.
The cost of these barriers is not clear as the bid contract process was not completed as of Tuesday’s meeting.
A special, emergency board meeting is scheduled for June 30 to vote on the purchase of the shields.
To maintain social distancing, the district’s plan recommends limiting class sizes according to designated grades.
| Grade | Class size limit |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten - 3rd grade | 18 students |
| 4th - 8th grade | 22 students |
| 9th - 12th grade | 25 students |
Teachers, school staff and students will be provided with personal protective equipment. Pre-K through second-grade students will be provided reusable face shields and the rest of students will be provided cloth face coverings.
More information on the reopening plan can be found on the district’s website.