Detroit Public Schools Releases Plan For Reopening

DETROIT, MI — When Detroit Public Schools reopen their buildings to students, changes implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic could include smaller classroom sizes and the requirement of students to wear masks, according to a 23-page report released Tuesday.

The report lays out how the district plans to reopen for the 2020-21 school year. According to the document, classrooms would be limited to a maximum of 20 students, students who ride the school bus would be required to sit apart and more virtual alternatives to the physical classroom setting will be offered.

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Schools have been closed for several months to in-person interaction. However, a downward trend in the number of new coronavirus cases reported in recent weeks has prompted state officials to slowly reopen portions of the state's economic sector.

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Restaurants and bars were allowed to open to dine-in service Monday. Salons and barbers are able to open June 15.

As of Monday, nearly 59,000 cases of the coronavirus had been reported.

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The plan is broken into four phases: Phase 1 is where things currently stand, with school buildings being closed to students. Phase 2 ranges from mid-June to July, and opens district buildings to in-person work. Phase 3 ranges from July to August and classroom sizes will be around 15 students, with students seated apart. Students and teachers will be tested. The final phase, Phase 4, ranges from August to September and continues testing of students and staff.

Read the full report here.