Gov. Holcomb: Indiana Schools Likely To Reopen This Fall

The final plan which will provide specific detail on many topics such as student safety, and instructional time could be announced in a couple of weeks.

Photo via Shutterstock.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – In April, Governor Eric Holcomb ordered all Indiana K-12 schools, both private and public, to suspend in-person instruction, and move to remote learning for the remainder of the academic school year.

During his coronavirus briefing on May 27, Gov. Holcomb said his administration is currently working with local schools and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to finalize details for what the K-12 fall semester will look like for students.

He stated that the final plan which will provide specific detail on many topics such as student safety, and instructional time will be announced in a “couple of weeks.”

While businesses in the Hoosier state have been allowed to reopen as part of Gov. Holcomb’s ‘Back on Track Plan,’ school buildings, facilities, and ground have been ordered to remain closed with all activities canceled until June 30.

“We do recognize it’s about the students and the teachers, it’s about everyone that goes into that building. And we want to make sure that when we do reopen, its safe,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Last month, Jennifer McCormick, state superintendent of Public Instruction, said schools could start back up next academic year with a hybrid experience of remote learning and in-person classes.

Many school leaders are exploring a roll-in re-entry, which could see different students entering schools at different times of the day. Classes could be in shifts, splitting up when students are in the building, but that option is “tricky and expensive,” said McCormick.

The IDOE has put together an advisory group, made up of school officials from rural, suburban, and urban areas, to help districts prepare for students re-entering schools.

RELATED STORIES: 

U.S. News Ranks Top High Schools In The United States, Indiana

Indiana Schools Will Remain Closed For Remainder Of 2019-20 School Year

Gov. Holcomb Announces All Schools To Close Until May 1