(NOTE: This interview with Athens ISD’s Dr. Janie Sims (pictured) was recorded June 26 and ranged over a variety of topics: The start of school, the Virtual Academy, the new free meal program, and teacher raises. There is too much for one post, so I will be writing other stories over the next few days. I invite you to listen to the interview to learn more. -- Michael)
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The plan at Athens ISD is to open school on Aug. 3, but that could change. Also school will most likely look different, but nobody can say how different right now.
“We have been meeting regularly for weeks with principals and other district leaders planning,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims. “We have a Plan A, B, C, D, E. We have lots of contingency plans.”
The problem, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts have to find a way to safely educate thousands of students while limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Unfortunately, the state hasn’t provided any coronavirus guidelines yet.
“What we do know is the last time the Governor spoke about schools is that he felt schools would be safe to open,” Sims said. “They are putting together some guidelines for us and for about three weeks now have been saying, ‘it’s coming soon, it’s coming soon.’”
Sims said the district expected to get those guidelines on Thursday, but that didn’t happen.
“You can imagine, every school in the state is tense and sitting on pins and needles just waiting to see what that final guidance would look like,” she said.
What to do about transportation is an example of the information school districts are wanting.
Sims said with current social distancing rules, only 13 students can be on a bus. That would create a logistical nightmare for most districts.
“They’ve been very quiet on that for about two weeks, so we’re anxiously awaiting guidance on the buses,” she said.
Whatever happens, AISD will be “all hands on deck” in July to make sure the district is ready for students because Athens starts earlier than many districts.
“We have a short span (to get ready) when July 6 rolls around,” she said.
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