WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach County School Board reviewed several options on Wednesday for reopening schools for the 2020-21 academic year and came to a consensus to begin the school year with online-only learning.
The school district's Reopening Task Force presented school board members with a 32-page presentation looking at the challenges and opportunities of each reopening option.
The School District of Palm Beach County is considering three educational options for students: full-time in-person instruction on campus, full-time distance learning, or a hybrid combination of the two.
Based on parent surveys and feedback, the district said more than one option may be necessary.
"I wrestle with the reality of knowing the decisions we make will impact our most fragile children," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Fennoy at Wednesday's school board meeting.
Students in Palm Beach County are currently scheduled to start their new school year on Monday, Aug. 10.
Wednesday's discussion comes two days after the Florida Department of Education issued an order requiringpublic school districts to open brick and mortar schools five days a week.
Fennoy said the School District of Palm Beach County has some flexibility with this, as the district takes recommendations and advice from health leaders.
The school board is expected to make a final decision on its reopening plan at its July 15 meeting.
