Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools has released a framework for reopening schools in the 2020-21 academic year. In early June, the district established a Reopening of Schools Task Force to begin this vital planning work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The administration presented three instructional options to the Board of Education for consideration and approval later. The options explored included:
Option A: All students return to campus with safety modifications in place.
Option B: Most students return with some students participating in a Continuous Learning environment.
Option C: All students participate in a Continuous Learning environment.
A Task Force consisting of more than 50 members, representing the Board of Education, teachers, principals, parents, KCKPS Police, and other personnel from various levels of operations throughout the school district worked to develop the plans. Surveys were also distributed to generate valuable feedback from parents and staff. The district’s plan focuses on the following areas:
• high-quality instruction
• educational inequities created by COVID-19
• health and safety protocols
• social-emotional support systems
• family and community engagement
• transportation
• athletics
“I’m confident that each of these options has great potential to help us meet the operational challenges we face returning to a different normal,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust.