More In-Person Days Could Be Coming For NYC Students: Report

NEW YORK CITY — In-person students in New York City could get more classroom time after a looming opt-in deadline, according to a new report

School officials will look at number of opt-ins by the Nov. 15 deadline and decide whether it gives schools a chance to expand learning time for classroom students, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Mayor Bill de Blasio hinted at such an option during his daily briefing Thursday. He said officials want to use all the “precious” seats in schools to the maximum.

“We want those kids to get as many days in school as possible,” he said.

New York City is the largest school district in the country to have in-person schooling as the pandemic continues.

The return to school rollout hit several snags, delays and it appears parents largely chose cautious.

About 54 percent of students and their parents ultimately chose to go fully remote — a number that steadily increased from 30 percent over the summer.

In-person student numbers are also significantly lower than anticipated — roughly 280,000 citywide out of about 1 million.

School officials previously promised parents could send their students back to classes at any time. But they took it back and announced a Nov. 2 to 15 opt-in period would be the last chance to sign students up for in-person class.

The opt-in window would give schools more certainty in learning plans and a chance to better tailor teaching to some students, such as those with special needs, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Read the full Wall Street Journal report here.