Lots of school districts across Iowa are making plans for how to open their facilities this fall, after everything was closed in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greene County Superintendent Tim Christensen says the Iowa Department of Education is encouraging all districts to bring students and teachers back into buildings this fall, which is what he wants to have happen in his district. Christensen notes his biggest concern of bringing all students and teachers back into the buildings is practicing social distancing as a precaution against the virus.

“But if we have to guarantee a six-foot distance between every single kid a hybrid model may be something we have to take a look at, in particular busing. If we have to guarantee social distancing/physical distancing on a bus we would only be able to haul 13 kids. If we’re only hauling 13 kids on a bus we’ve (got) to figure out a hybrid model where we’ve got kids going to school every other day in person, and then the other days they’re learning online.”

Even though another concern Christensen has is social distancing during lunch time, he believes that at least at the newly remodeled middle school and new high school buildings, there should be enough space for students to learn.

“Both of those buildings are going to allow us to definitely have additional space that’s going to enable students to eat and do some social distancing and everything like that. But in terms of academics, I think for the most part both buildings will be set up that will allow us to move forward with whatever plan we have.”

Christensen adds, other COVID-19 precautions have been discussed, including recommending students to wear face masks when inside the buildings. However, he says they are waiting on additional guidance from the Department of Education before they can officially open this fall. To hear more from Christensen, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.