MILWAUKEE — A first look at Milwaukee Public Schools’ plan to reopen schools for face-to-face learning was released Thursday evening. The school district has multiple scenarios depending on what is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are looking at and going through and trying to make sure we make the decisions to meet the needs of all of our families in the City of Milwaukee,” said Superintendent Keith Posley while addressing the school board.
The first scenario is all schools stay closed and learning remains virtual.
The second scenario reopens schools with social distancing measures. That means a limit of 15 students per classroom to keep students 6 feet apart, depending on building size. In that scenario, one option would have students on a two-day rotation where they attend classes two days out of a four day week. The rest of the week is virtual learning.
The other option is elementary students go to school five days a week using all the MPS buildings to spread out students. Secondary students would attend classes virtually.
The last scenario, students return like normal but virtual learning remains an option.
Scenario A: Schools Remained Closed
Option 1: All Virtual Learning
Scenario B: Schools Open with Social Distancing Restrictions
Option 2: Two Day Rotation
Option 3: Elementary Students In-person/ Secondary learn virtually
Scenario C: Schools Can Open Normally
Option 4: Full In-person/ Virtual Option
On top of those options, there are also three different possibilities on when the school year could start depending on COVID-19.
Option 1- Early Start Aug. 17th
Option 2- Traditional Start, Sept. 1st
Option 3- Late Start, Sept. 8th
Some school board members though are not sure how MPS will be able to fulfill the options with limited staff.
“I continue to be concerned about promising more to the public, more to our families if we can’t find sufficient staff,” said Bob Peterson
MPS will ask parents to rank which options they prefer. Those surveys will start going out next week.