Broward School Superintendent Robert Runcie Says Schools Won't Open If Coronavirus Numbers Don't Improve
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Broward school leaders met again virtually on Tuesday to discuss possible reopening plans.
At the outset of the meeting, Superintendent Robert Runcie said schools would not open at all should the coronavirus conditions in Broward did not improve.
"When we open schools in August, I am recommending that instruction will be 100% e-learning if conditions do not improve and continue to worsen. That is the only way we can educate our students while keeping them and their teachers healthy and safe. When conditions improve, and we hope it will not be too distant, then additional options will be introduced," said Runcie.
Last week, the Superintendent said he sees no path to schools fully reopening in five weeks.
"I've said it at every discussion – we will not compromise the safety of students, teachers, and staff. We won't budge from that," said Runcie.
The school board, which did not disagree with Runcie, is also discussing responses to parent questionnaires and how a return to school could look should it happen.
Four options, including five days a week on-campus classes, distance learning, and two hybrid models, remain on the table should the conditions change.
Last March, 81 district employees tested positive for the virus.
Despite some parents demonstrating last month to open schools five days a week,
one in seven is testing positive in Broward.
The latest parent survey shows 32 percent of parents favor e-learning, 35 percent favor a hybrid model, while 31 percent want kids to go to school five days a
week.
In Miami-Dade, the district is asking families to go online by Wednesday to declare their preference for August, which includes full on-campus learning, something virtual or a combination.
No campuses will reopen though unless the county is in Phase 2 of its reopening plan.
