JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Following the approval for schools to begin working on a reopening plan in North Dakota, school districts and local health officials will begin planning how to provide education safely this fall.

The guidelines were developed in collaboration with education associations, tribal leaders, and stakeholders to emphasize local control and decision-making by school boards and administrators in consultation with local public health units and based on guidance from the North Dakota Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other resources.

“There is a lot to consider, but we certainly feel fortunate to now have the guidance from the Governor and Department of Public Instruction,” Jamestown Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says. “All school districts in ND strive to create a safe and healthy school environment. This is true outside of a pandemic, but it takes on a far greater meaning within the current environment.”

Because of how different each school district operates, including different building layouts, the guidance gives control to local officials to come up with a plan that best suits their needs.

“We were encouraged that local control is a significant feature of the Re-Entry Planning as many school districts, communities and counties have different realities related to pandemic impact,” Dr. Lech added. “I was appreciative that the Health and Safety Plan and Distance Learning Plan will be approved by each local school board. These are the elected officials who are charged with the oversight of their school district and they best understand the dynamics of their own unique communities.”

The guidance will also allow for either a full return to school with safety in mind this fall, a return to distance based learning, or even a mixture of the two.

“I believe the guidance gives the appropriate level of direction while maintaining the flexibility for school districts to assess and consider how those requirements will work in their district/buildings,” Dr. Lech pointed out. “The Governor’s guidance clearly recognizes that each district is going to have varying needs and resources. It allows each district, within the approved framework, to create a plan that prioritizes health and safety and can be implemented with fidelity.”

Dr. Lech says he looks forward to working with his staff, school board, local health officials and others to create the best plan for Jamestown.

“I also think the coordination with local health officials is an important component that recognizes the invaluable resource that our county/state health officials have provided throughout the pandemic. These are critical individuals with the expertise to help our school districts create a solid plan for re-entry.”

Read more about the guidelines issued Tuesday by clicking here.