BPS Superintendent: 'Kids Need To Be Safely Back In School'

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington Public Schools Superintendent Eric Conti called the creation of the state's guidance for return to school "incredibly thoughtful," Thursday, after the guidance was issued.

"My main concerns are focused on the safety of students and staff," Conti said. "We have many 'habits' and 'customs' to break.'"

Conti said the administration will spend the next two weeks reviewing the guidance.

Among other points, the guidance asks districts to develop three separate reopening plans: in-person schooling, remote schooling and a hybrid system.

Conti noted that switching between different systems could prove difficult.

"I understand that we will need to all be flexible," he said. "My concern is that routines are important for students - especially younger students. Switching up routines takes time."

The district is encouraging residents to send in questions to 2020SchoolOpening@bpsk12.org. Members of the school community can submit feedback using this form and the district is also planning to hold meetings to gather more input.

"In short, I like the guidelines," Conti said. "Kids need to be safely back in school."

The district released its own guiding principles for reopening, Wednesday.

"Remote/on-line learning cannot replicate students’ experiences in their school communities with their teachers, administrators, peers, and support staff," one principle reads.

Here's what we know now about the reopening of Massachusetts schools:

• Burlington Superintendent Eric Conti's letter to the school community
• School In MA During Coronavirus: Your Questions Answered
• MA School Reopening: Masks, Remote Learning Plan Required

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.