Back to school season is officially here, and Dallas County Public Health has been working very closely with area school districts to make sure safety of students and staff are the top priority this school year.

Superintendent Clark Wicks says the emphasis in their return to learn plan is focusing on mitigation efforts. Dallas County Public Health Navigator Ann Cochran says DCPH has been working very closely with area school districts, “Our Executive Director Suzanne Hegarty has met with, in person, and in zoom meetings, and on phone conversations with school board members, superintendents, principals, and school nurses to give supportive information, technical support, and just help them understand what their obligations are and help them know what about some of the issues may have not considered yet. And that has been very helpful.”

A lot of resources have been dedicated to making schools a safe environment, as the Perry School District has invested in masks for students, face shields for teachers, and a new air filtration system that recirculates the air in all the buildings.