Reading Revising School Plan Due To Staffing, Logistical Issues

READING, MA — Staffing and logistical issues have forced the Reading Public Schools to revise its reopening plan, Superintendent John Doherty said. The majority of students will start the school year remotely, while high needs, RISE Preschool and kindergarten students will begin in-person learning Sept. 15.

A new plan to phase in hybrid learning at a later date will be presented to the School Committee Thursday.

"Our challenges include filling staffing vacancies due to an increased volume of leaves of absences and accommodations for our staff who are unable to work in person, delayed delivery of technology devices, the challenge of scheduling and retrofitting classrooms with the appropriate amount of furniture and technology infrastructure and effectively implementing our learning platforms," Doherty wrote Aug. 20.

The delay will allow the district to hire and train staff for vacant positions, implement technology and learning platforms and set up classrooms for effective hybrid learning, Doherty said. The district plans to utilize satellite classrooms for additional learning space.

"We apologize for the timing of this notice, and we realize the frustration that this will cause for families in trying to secure additional child care," Doherty wrote. " However, we felt it was important that you received this information as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we revise our plan."