DENTON COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF)- The Denton County Public Health Department has issued recommendations to independent school districts within Denton County to delay face to face instruction until September 8th. DCPH Director Dr. Matt Richardson says it’s not a mandate or an order, but all schools are strongly urged to follow these recommendations. “It’s really due to increasing case counts, increasing positive rates and and overall concern of group gatherings in mid-August when school districts planned to begin classes,” said Richardson. “We take these and other factors into consideration when making this recommendation.”
He said the following exceptions may be necessary, and should require continual use of facial coverings and physical distancing:
-On-site virtual instruction activities by administrators, teachers and staff school-sponsored events/activities such as UIL sports, bands, choirs, competitions and
similar events may be conducted outdoors with the use of masks and physical
distancing.
-Self-contained special education instruction may occur when necessary and in accordance with TEA guidelines, as feasible.
He said schools should conduct virtual, remote, or distance learning activities, in compliance with their approved start dates, prior to Tuesday, September 8th to meet TEA requirements. Richardson said school administrators, teachers, and staff may return to school campuses to provide virtual
learning instructional activities, provide food distribution including free and reduced lunch services and to perform administrative duties, as consistent with TEA guidelines. Also, Richardson said schools should create, maintain, and provide a safety protocol/plan for resuming in-person instruction on or before Tuesday, September 8th to the school boards and disseminate the plan to parents and stakeholders two weeks prior to re-opening campuses, per ISD approved calendars.
“We continue to utilize the latest information available to us locally and through the scientific community in order to provide recommendations to best protect all community members in Denton County,” stated DCPH Authority Dr. Buchanan. “School district boards remain the decision makers in determining their school calendars, methods of education provision, and daily education operations.”
