Iredell Schools Respond To New NC Bill To Reopen Schools

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — Iredell-Statesville Schools will soon release details about returning more of its students to classrooms following the advancement of state legislation requiring students to return to in-person instruction in North Carolina public schools.

Gov. Roy Cooper, along with lawmakers, announced the legislative compromise during a press conference in Raleigh Wednesday. Under the plan, all school districts will be required to offer in-person instruction, the Charlotte Observer reported. "Getting students safely back into classrooms must be our shared priority," Cooper said Wednesday, saying that the agreement "will return schools to in person learning while retaining our ability to protect students and educators in an emergency."

The school reopening plan requires elementary schools to reopen with full time in-person instruction, the Observer said. Middle and high schools may offer full time or hybrid in-person learning for middle and high school students.

The plan does not impact charter schools in the state, or families who want to continue with remote learning, the newspaper said.

SEE ALSO: Governor, NC Legislature Reach School Reopening Compromise

Senate Bill 220 passed Wednesday afternoon and heads to the House Thursday. Cooper has indicated he intends to sign it by the end of this week.

Once that happens, there could be changes in ISS schools.

“If the Governor and NCDHHS tell us we can return to school five days a week for grades 6-12, we’ll do that as safely and quickly as we can," Superintendent Jeff James said in a statement. "We’ve been waiting and planning for this announcement. Kids belong in school.”

Currently, ISS operates with Plan A for grades K-5 and a hybrid Plan B schedule for grades 6-12.

The school district is on spring break this week, but could release new specific plans for a return to school early next week, it said.

“In addition to a return to school in grades K-12, we will also be rolling out specific information about face-to-face graduation ceremonies,” James said. “Finally, we are hopeful that NCDHHS will make changes that allow us to have prom. While it may not be a traditional prom, it is important that we get back to the business of creating academic and social opportunities and events for students.”

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