IPS Delays School Start Due to COVID Concerns
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis Public Schools is delaying its reopening for two weeks in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the community. Our partners at WFYI report in-person classes and remote learning will now begin on August 17, instead of the planned August 3 start.
IPS says families can still decide whether they want full-time virtual learning when school starts; the deadline to register has been extended.
IPS Board President Michael O’Connor said the district of around 32,000 students is obligated to take steps to slow the coronavirus in Marion County, from mandating masks to delaying the start of school.
The county’s most recent average infection rate climbed to 7.1%, over a seven day average. In mid-June the average infection rate was 5.4%.
“So we’re balancing the data against the important services we provide to our families and to our children,” O’Connor said.
IPS joins other school districts in pushing back the start of school. Wayne Township Schools delayed its restart by two weeks and Washington Township Schools will provide virtual-only courses for now.
The IPS Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the delay during its annual summer retreat.
Superintendent Aleeisa Johnson said there is an abundance of guidance from local and state health officials on how to open school buildings, but she wants “an anchoring point” on the infection rate for when school districts must make changes.
Student sports will also be paused during until August 17.
Johnson says teacher and staff compensation will not be impacted by the delay.
You can read more about the district’s decision from WFYI by clicking here.