Georgia's largest school district has decided to delay the start of the new school year to better prepare for classes during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Gwinnett County Public Schools officials announced Tuesday that the new school year has been delayed until August 12. The delay gives teachers an additional five days for pre-planning and training. The updated plans were formulated during a special called meeting of the Gwinnett County School Board.
Among other decisions approved at the meeting:
*A requirement for school system employees and students to wear face masks or face coverings. Students who are unable or unwilling to wear face coverings are encouraged to consider digital learning. Any visitors to school facilities would also be required to wear face coverings.
*Cancellation of in-person graduations for the Class of 2020. The ceremonies had been tentatively scheduled for the week of July 13, but the board cited the recent surge in COVID-19 cases for the decision to cancel the events. Virtual high school graduations were held in May.
"In making these decisions, the Board and school district staff did their due diligence and reviewed all relevant information concerning our people’s health, safety, and educational needs,” said Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks in a press statement. “We balanced what we learned in that review with what we heard from parents and our employees in the feedback we asked them to provide. Ultimately, we made our decisions based on what we believe is in the overall best interest of the district’s students, families, and staff. In the weeks to come, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Gwinnett County and, if necessary, will revise our plans as conditions warrant."
Parents must choose between in-person or digital learning for their children for the upcoming school year. The deadline for making the decision is Friday, July 10. Parents are able to complete a survey to make their selection.
