Medford Schools Slow Timeline For Enacting Hybrid Plan

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford Public Schools will begin hybrid instruction later than expected for most grades, Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent said Friday. Kindergartners returned to school Monday, and first grade will start Oct. 13, but the start date for all other grades has yet to be determined.

The plan was originally to start second grade, sixth grade and 12th grade Oct. 13, in addition to first grade. Grades 7, 8 and 9 were expected to return the week of Oct. 19, followed by tenth and 11th grade in November.

Edouard-Vincent said the district is facing challenges at some schools, including infrastructure deficiencies, internet capacity and necessary repairs to HVAC systems. Academic schedules for middle and high schoolers also necessitate staffing flexibility, she said.

"I know how eager many families are to return to in-person instruction," Edouard-Vincent said. "Please be assured that we are working tirelessly to ensure our buildings are ready, our staffing issues are resolved, and we are fully prepared to welcome these students back into our classrooms at the earliest possible date, subject to public health considerations."

MPS expects to release more information about start dates by mid-week.