Gary Community School Corp. students will return to in-school classes Jan. 19, manager Paige McNulty said Tuesday.
She told the district’s advisory board the return date is tentative, based on the city and Lake County’s COVID-19 infection rate at that time.
“We will still offer e-learning to those who need it, as well as our staff who have documented medical conditions,” she said.
Classes will begin with a hybrid model, which will allow for a mid-week cleaning of schools. McNulty said principals and staff members are working now to coordinate classes and programs.
She said she meets once a week with other Lake County superintendents, Gary’s health department and the Lake County Health Department.
“We’re working to do it safely, we know it’s fluid. Hopefully, the numbers won’t continue to surge in the wrong direction,” she said in reference to the Christmas holidays.
If there is a surge, McNulty said school reopening plans could change.
McNulty said some school employees have been infected. She said schools have been fogged and cleaned. “Our efforts will double when kids come back,” she said.
Gary students have not been in their classrooms since March 19 when Gov. Eric Holcomb declared an emergency and closed public schools.
While most districts have reopened, Gary officials opted to remain closed because of high infection rates in the city.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
