State Superintendent lays out plan to reopen schools

In an interview with AL.com, Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey laid out his four-phase plan in potentially reopening schools across the state.

Mackey emphasized that the plan isn’t final and could change depending on how things go in the coming weeks.

Mackey said that the state is currently in Phase I of his plan, which includes distance learning – online or through paper instruction packets – and the next phase would involve bringing some students back on campuses starting June 8.

Mackey said that on June 8, schools could allow students aged 13 and older back on campus in groups of 10 or fewer for summer athletic workouts and practices. Summer school would also be allowed for that age group, as well, which will require “careful planning” to be allowed.

The third phase would start on July 6 allowing younger students to come on campus for literacy camps and other needs.

Phase four – the final phase – would begin in early August as football, volleyball and band would all be allowed back on campus for fall camps to begin and then the regular start to the 2020-2021 school year.

Mackey said that it is not anticipated that the state would require students, teachers or parents to wear facemasks at school but that sanitization would be a big focus.

As each phase gets closer the state will look at modifications, according to Mackey.