Bossier School District intends to have traditional start

BENTON, La. (KSLA) — Aug. 12 marks the first day of classes for students in Bossier Parish public schools.

The question is, will students and teachers head back to their classrooms?

Bossier School District officials are weighing several options but intend to have everyone back on campus this school year, Bossier schools Superintendent Mitch Downey said.

Following is a statement that Downey released Thursday:

“As the conversation about the pandemic continues to evolve, so do guidelines and directives, making it premature to definitively say what the 2020-21 school year will look like in Bossier Parish.

“Right now, it is our intent to have a traditional start to the school year, but with modifications that comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Louisiana Department of Health.

“A virtual learning program will also be provided as an alternative for elementary age children that complements the middle and high school virtual platforms already in place, and there are discussions about a hybrid platform as well.

“It is important to note these plans are contingent upon going into Phase 3 and subject to change, depending on the course COVID-19 takes, and Bossier Schools will follow the lead of our governor and state superintendent of education.”

Downey stressed that everything is subject to change when official word comes from Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and state Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley at the end of the month, possibly June 29 or June 30.

“We are going to rely on them to provide the guidance to see what type of guidelines are going to have to be in place. But it’s definitely going to look a little different.”

Schools will have to follow Louisiana Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control regulations and recommendations to keep everyone safe.

“To the greatest extent possible, we will provide that social distancing,” Downey said.

Virtual classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade is another option for those who feel uncomfortable coming back to campus.

“I know everybody is anxious to get the information,” Downey said. “But we have been waiting on the governor and the LDH to see how this thing progresses. And, as everybody knows, this is fluid and changes almost daily.”

Also on the table is an An A/B schedule that would have students attending on alternating days. Downey said he doesn’t believe that’s the best option.

“I think the A/B hybrid alternating days is going to create a lot of disruption as far as childcare and people being confident about working on a daily basis. That’s something we want to avoid.”

Even after the school year starts, Bossier Parish schools will have to be prepared for anything. But Downey said the parish has a contingency.

“Even if something takes place and we are not able to start on time or if we have an interruption during the school year, we have put in place the virtual model that we feel like is going to be a lot more user friendly in the spring.”

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