Somerville Takes In-Person Classes 'Off The Table' This Fall

SOMERVILLE, MA — Schools will not reopen full-time in Somerville this fall. Local officials made clear Friday they aren't considering an in-person learning model as they develop plans for the upcoming school year.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has asked districts to come up with plans for in-person, remote and hybrid learning. Somerville Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper said Friday the district has taken in-person learning for all students "off the table."

That leaves the door open for hybrid and remote models, the former of which could come with stringent health and safety guidelines. Mayor Joseph Curtatone said the city is considering randomly testing students and teachers for COVID-19 and having every public school student in pre-k and up wear masks inside buildings.

The state requires masks for students starting in second grade.

The city will host four online School Planning Town Halls on local efforts to prepare for the upcoming school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. The School Committee will also hold two additional summer meetings.

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