Milford Picks Hybrid Model For Back-To-School

MILFORD, MA — Milford Public Schools students will return to school on Sept. 10 under a hybrid learning model, where students attend a mix of in-person and online classes.

The Milford School Committee voted on the plan during a special meeting on Thursday. Like many districts, Milford is splitting students into cohorts to keep students separate and in smaller groups. In theory, the cohort approach will allow students to remain 6 feet apart while in school buildings.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requiring every school district to draw up three plans for back-to-school: a hybrid plan, an all-remote plan, and a full return to classes. Most districts in the area are pursuing a hybrid model, with some — like Framingham and Wayland — starting the year off fully remote. Milford will give parents the option of choosing fully remote classes if desired.

DESE has set an Aug. 14 deadline for districts to submit back-to-school plans.

The Milford School Committee members acknowledged there are downsides to any plan to reopen schools during a pandemic, including the hybrid model. The board ultimately voted 5-2 in favor of the hybrid model with members Christopher Wilson and Laura Ingemi opposed

"We're in the midst of a public health crisis here," Wilson said, noting that he felt the hybrid model had some safety drawbacks "Unfortunately, there's not a perfect plan to reopen schools safely."

The decision came after a nearly three-hour meeting on Thursday with school and local health officials.