Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada says they are proposing a hybrid model that will include in-person instruction combined with online learning for the district's nearly 27,000 students.

Under the proposal, students would be divided into two groups. On Mondays and Tuesdays, some students will attend in-person classes, while others will report to classes on Thursday and Fridays with Wednesday being a flex day. 

Dr. Edwin Quezada tells News 12 that student transportation needs are also being considered, saying in part, "We provide yellow bus transportation to all of our students in pre-K-8, plus all of our special needs students. Every student who lives 1.5 miles or higher is entitled to transportation."

Due to majority of the learning being online, the district will provide laptops based on economic need. Those without internet access at home will receive laptops with internet service.

Quezada calls the proposal a “living document,” that’s subject to change and include revisions based on new coronavirus cases in our region. 

“We are not 100% sure of what our governor will say next week. So we recognize that if we think of all those factors we will have to make changes to the plan,” says Quezada.

Parent Andy Jack says the district’s hybrid plan works best for his children. "The online thing has been hard for them at first, but I'd love for them to go back to school."

But he still has his concerns, saying in part, "I mean kids playing with other kids, exchanging masks thinking its toys. That's the thing that I'm really scared about."

As the fourth largest school district in the state prepares for its new normal, administrators are scheduled back to work on Aug. 13, and teachers return on Sept. 1. Students will begin instruction on Sept. 8.