SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Walz announced additional guidance for Minnesota schools this fall. In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), school districts will create their plans for either a hybrid, distance learning, or in-class model based on what best fits that individual district’s student population, and the viral presence in each county.
Representative Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis), Chair of the House Education Finance Committee, released the following statement:
“It is now more crucial than ever that we examine the needs of the child as we look towards the 2020/2021 school year and beyond. The long-lasting impacts this pandemic will have in historically underserved communities will call educational leaders at every level to focus resources to meet the social and emotional developmental needs of children, while also prioritizing mental health supports for our most vulnerable children.
“School leaders have been diligently planning for all three scenarios for the upcoming school year as they weigh the safety, health and well-being of their students, staff, and families while prioritizing the urgent education needs of Minnesota’s children. We are trusting that school districts and county officials will work diligently together to lessen the viral presence of COVID-19 in their communities. It is all of our responsibility in this moment to be focused on eradicating the viral spread of this disease, our children’s futures depend on the actions we as adults take now.”
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