ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz said the state will work with school districts to decide how will reopen this fall — and perhaps even whether. In outlining what he called a Safe Learning Plan, Walz laid out three basic models for schools that reopen:
> In-person classes.
> Distance learning.
> A hybrid of both.
The state Health and Education departments will work with districts and charter schools to determine how to restart fall classes, Walz said. Major criteria, he said, will be the extent of coronavirus infections in the surrounding county and each district’s ability to meet public health requirements. “Not all schools look the same, not all parts of the state look the same, and we need to take those into consideration,” Walz said. Parents will learn about local decisions from their school districts — not from the state, he said. Will teachers and other employees be allowed tp work remotely? Yes, to the extent possible, Walz said. Will every school re-open? Flexibility is key to deal with changing situations, he said.