Branford Schools Reopening Plan: What You Need To Know Now

BRANFORD, CT — Not unlike many school districts in the state, the Branford Public Schools reopening plan is guided by coronavirus spread come late August. But unlike others, its plan is not final, school officials said.

Branford schools submitted its Connecticut State Department of Education-required three reopening model plan, but, as schools superintendent Hamlet Hernandez said in a letter to families, "...it is not the final plan."

"While this distinction may be confusing, it is important for you to understand that the fully developed plan remains in progress as we attend to public health data and receive more input from families," he wrote.

Yes, Branford schools does have the in-person, hybrid, and remote models with the "health and safety for students and staff" as its "number one priority." But Hernandez explained that the process for safely returning kids to school is a "fluid and unrelenting process..." that requires "planning, coordination, communication and a mind-set that 'change' is a constant for everyone during a pandemic. I understand the uncertainty of the reopening model can create frustration."

"I understand the uncertainty of the reopening model can create frustration," he said noting that in the coming weeks, families will get more information.

"In the upcoming weeks, you will receive additional information about the reopening, with the most critical information being how school will start in the fall. Based on results from the surveys, input from the public health department, the Ad Hoc Committee and the expertise of our transportation and food service providers, the District is advocating to open in either the hybrid or remote model," he said.

Hernandez said families should email reopening@branfordschools.org with questions, though there's limited time to do so.

"This tool closes on the August 10, 2020. Once closed, the District will create and post a FAQ on the District website. I wish to thank you for your input, communication, and partnership during the pandemic," he wrote.