Tentative plans to restart in-person learning in District of Columbia Public Schools as early as Nov. 9 has given some of the school system’s principals pause.
A union that represents the school administrators and wants the schools to be deep-cleaned said that while DCPS principals have been getting information about the potential return to in-person date, no concrete plan has been agreed upon, WTOP reported.
DCPS classrooms have been shuttered since March as a result of the coronavirus crisis, which so far has claimed more than 200,000 American lives.
Most DCPS students who are now participating in virtual learning began classes a few weeks ago.
Richard Jackson, president of the Council of School Officers, told WTOP that he and others worry whether there is enough time to clean school buildings and put coronavirus precautions in place over the next six weeks.
“What we’re hearing from principals is little to nothing has happened in preparation for that,” Jackson said, adding that targeted projects have included the installation of plexiglass dividers and the addition of markings that encourage social distancing.
Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, who on Friday met with school leaders, told WTOP that DCPS continues to plan for reopening and that the principals will receive guidance and technical assistance to make sure health and safety measures are in place.