ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced guidelines for local school districts to return middle and high school students  to their classrooms for in-person learning as early as Monday. The guidelines are not a mandate. Walz said key decisions on how to reopen safely is up school districts. Depending how the virus is spreading locally, some districts are expected to opt for in-person classes five days a week, others for fewer. Families concerned about the risks could still choose distance learning. The governor said more than 25% of Minnesota teachers have now had their first vaccine shots. Another 18,000 doses are earmarked for teachers next week, he said.

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Verbatim

Walz: “Students, we’re ready to go. We’re going to get back in school, folks. We’re going to do it safely. We’re going to beat this thing.”