MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL METRO, MN — It’s been more than a week since Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health released parameters they want schools to meet before fully reopening, and more schools have made decisions about what this fall will look like for students and staff.
Minnesota’s “back to school” season is going to be unlike any other year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The recommended model of education — distance learning, hybrid, or in-person — depends on how many coronavirus cases are reported in the county.
However, the ultimate decision of how to reopen school this fall is being left up to the school districts themselves.
Several school districts in the Twin Cities metro have already announced their “education model” decision for this fall, while others are planning to do so later this month:
Note: All school districts in Minnesota are required to offer an online-only model of education to families who want it, regardless of what the district’s overall model is.
Also note that a district’s education model can change depending on countywide upticks or decreases in COVID-19 cases.
Overall model decisions
Anoka-Hennepin Schools: Hybrid model
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools: On Aug. 13, Superintendent Dr. Theresa Battle will announce which model the district will use
Edina Public Schools: Hybrid model
Farmington Area Public Schools: Hybrid model
Hopkins Public Schools: Leaning towards hybrid model
Inver Grove Heights Schools: Hybrid model
Lakeville Area Schools: Hybrid model
Mendota Heights District 197: Will either open in hybrid format or full distance format. Decision to be made week of Aug. 17.
Minneapolis Public Schools: Distance-learning (online only)
Minnetonka Public Schools: Update expected Friday.
Mounds View Public Schools: Hybrid model
Northfield Public Schools: Decision will be announced by Aug. 17
North Saint Paul—Maplewood—Oakdale: Back-to-school plan will be announced Aug. 10
Osseo Area Schools: Hybrid model
Prior Lake-Savage Schools: More information will be released the week of Aug. 10.
Richfield Public Schools: Recommendation to school board will be made Aug. 17
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Schools: Hybrid model
Saint Paul Public Schools: Distance-learning (online only)
South Saint Paul: Decision expected to be made Aug. 10
South Washington County Schools: Final decision will be made Aug. 13.
Stillwater Area Public Schools: Hybrid model
St. Louis Park Schools: Distance learning recommended. Final decision not made. School board will take action at Aug. 10 meeting.
Wayzata Public Schools: Hybrid model
School districts can email information about their decisions to [email protected]
All schools that do open during the school year must follow public health guidelines on masks, social distancing, personal hygiene, screening, and cleaning practices.
Read more: Which Minnesota Schools Are Encouraged To Stay Closed?
This article originally appeared on the Southwest Minneapolis Patch
