Governor Ducey Annouces Arizona Schools Will Reopen At The Start Of School Year

On Thursday afternoon, Governor Doug Ducey announced that children will return to school for the 2020-2021 year. Arizona school are planning to reopen at the beginning of the school year.

“It will feel different, but the idea is that kids will have a more traditional, routine school day where possible and safe,” Ducey said.

Dr. Cara Christ, state health director said schools would have flexibility to reopen with smaller class sizes and more disinfecting protocols. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and there is a possibility may remain in the classroom for lunch instead of going to the cafeteria.

“The thing, as a mom, that I can’t stress enough that schools supply so much more than education,” Christ said.

On Monday State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman is expected to provide further details about the changes needed to protect teachers, students and staff when the school begins. As many Arizona school districts are on a year round schedule, they are set to begin their school year in late July, which is two months away.

When asked if teachers or parents who have health concerns would be able to still learn or work from home, Ducey said that distance learning is still an option “where needed,” but clarification on how those options would work was not available.