Schools

North Andover Schools To Wait Until Aug. 24 For Reopening Plans

The state is requiring full-time, in-person learning but leaving details like mask policies up to districts.

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover school officials will not decide on coronavirus safety protocols until Aug. 24, the superintendent and School Committee chair said Wednesday in a letter to the community.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requiring full-time, in-person learning but leaving details like mask policies up to districts. North Andover officials plan to hold off on any decisions until the Aug. 24 School Committee meeting.

" Waiting until August 24 allows us to consider the most current guidance from state and local health officials while still giving our families and staff the time to prepare for the implementation of safety protocols," the officials said.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The first day of school for most North Andover students is Sept. 1.

Information on submitting public comment at the Aug. 24 meeting is available here.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Some districts have already moved to impose indoor mask mandates for the coming school year.

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

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