EGF schools looking at a return to classroom learning

East Grand Forks school officials are mapping out plans for bringing more students back into the classroom in light of declining COVID-19 numbers.  Superintendent Mike Kolness says over the past month only nine new cases of the virus have been identified in students and staff.  “Case numbers in the county and school district have dropped significantly.”

Kolness says it’s not just a simple case of opening the doors. “Due to guidance you can only transition to a less restrictive model three grades at a time per building.”

Kolness says another challenge is keeping kids six feet apart with 20 or 30 kids in a classroom.   The board opted to transition ninth grade students back on February 8^th…..grades 6 through 8^th on February 16^th…..and grades 10-11-12 on February 22^nd.

Right now middle and high school students are learning through a hybrid model.

Kolness says health officials will also make available 48 vaccine doses for staff this week.