Gov. Wolf Debunks 'Widespread Rumor' About Fall School Plans

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday debunked "widespread rumors" that he has plans to order all schools closed this fall.

"There are widespread rumors that I will soon be announcing a statewide school building closure or cancelling classes this fall," Wolf said in a Friday tweet."I want to be clear: I am not closing school buildings or cancelling classes."

The issue of how and when to reopen schools across the state and nation has taken center stage in recent weeks, with community members sparring over how best to go about resuming instruction.

Gov. Tom Wolf has determined that Pennsylvania public schools in the state's yellow and green phases can resume in-person instruction in the fall, provided their district creates an approved safety plan. The safety plan, which must be approved by the school board, lays out how the districts will provide instruction, whether it's through an in-person model, hybrid, or all virtual.

Most districts in the region are currently planning to offer some form of in-person instruction, whether it's allowing parents to choose a traditional five-day option, or providing a hybrid model that blends in-person education with online learning. A minority of districts say they will be online only for the duration of the fall.

Earlier this month, state health and education officials issued updated guidance for schools as they prepare for the start of in-person learning during the coronavirus pandemic. The updated guidanceclarifies that students must wear masks at all times during the school day, except when eating, drinking or situated six feet apart.

The state guidance also includes specific recommendations on social distancing, transportation safety, and procedures in the event a student or staff member becomes infected.

With all the moving parts to consider, districts in the metro Philadelphia area are taking a range of approaches to the complex predicament. Some are offering in-person instruction while others plan to go fully virtual. Others are leaning towards a blend of in-person and online instruction so as to accommodate distancing guidelines.

See what local district have planned so far here.