Md. State Superintendent provides update on school reopening plans
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon held a press conference on Wednesday to provide an update on school plans for the fall.
We’re told the state will allow flexibility to local school systems, in consultation with local health departments, to make decisions on reopening.
School systems must follow CDC guidelines. Face coverings will be required for all students and staff. In addition, schools must follow state health protocols for responding to any confirmed cases of COVID-19. That guidance can be found here.
Schools must also meet a series of benchmarks for reopening, including the following:
- Incorporate equity as a component in the local recovery plan
- Establish local education recovery stakeholder groups
- Identify learning gaps and instructional placement of students
- Follow and maintain curricular frameworks and Maryland College and Career Ready Standards
- Adhere to components of IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and ADA
- Adopt and follow health procedures outlined by the MSDE, MDH, and CDC, including cleaning and sanitization
- Ensure safe transportation for all students
- Develop a system for tracking attendance
- Following the Maryland Public Secondary Sports Athletic Association guidance for interscholastic athletics and activities
Schools have until August 14th to finalize their plans.
In addition, Governor Larry Hogan announced that the statewide positivity rate has continued to decline and is now at 4.49%, which is an 83% decline since its peak on April 17th. He says officials are concerned that the gap between positivity rates among Marylanders under 35 and those 35 and over is at 3.5% versus 6.57%. He says health officials are also closely watching the recent uptick in hospitalizations, saying new hospitalizations are running younger and not as sick as the wave of patients in the fall.
The governor emphasized how important it is to continue wearing masks in public areas, businesses, and transportation.
“Only you can keep Maryland open for business by wearing masks and continuing to follow public health guidelines. It’s pretty simple: no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service,” said Hogan.
Hogan is also encouraging Marylanders to vote by mail in the November election. Those who wish to vote in person are urged to take advantage of the eight days of early voting to avoid crowds on Election Day.
