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MILL HALL -- A group of local school leaders have begun meeting to plan how local schools will reopen in the fall, in accordance with Governor Tom Wolf's announcement last week that public schools are expected to open in the fall, even though school may not occur in the traditional sense.
School systems will need to be prepared to follow state and local guidelines for opening their buildings for in-person instruction while enforcing strict social distancing, hygiene and cleaning practices.
Keystone Central Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin has organized a county-wide Reopening Schools Committee that includes Michele Alexander, principal of the Lock Haven Catholic School, and Tracie Kennedy, chief officer of the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School.
The committee will work collaboratively with stakeholders to create a four phase plan for the reopening of schools in the late summer or fall and a contingency plan in the event of another forced closure, Martin said.
Each phase will include the following six working groups: Leadership, Wellness, Instruction, Operations, Safety & Facilities, and Partnerships & Activities.
The group is awaiting direction from the Pennsylvania Department of Education before making any formal decisions and will be seeking input via an electronic (or paper) survey from parents, students, and staff members.
The local leaders understand the importance of working collaboratively as they share families and services, Martin said.
"Everyone is eager to find viable solutions for having students and staff return to school in a way that promotes learning and maintains a safe environment," she said.