Ohio's School Reopening Plan Released

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio's plan for reopening schools on Thursday.

The state's guidelines can be adjusted by individual districts, to ensure the health and safety of students and educators, DeWine said. However, students need to get back into school in the fall, the governor said.

"There is a consensus that we need to get kids back into school buildings," DeWine said.

The governor announced five guidelines for reopening:

• Check symptoms regularly — Anyone with a temperature above 100 degrees, or with any symptoms of COVID-19, must remain home. Anyone who develops a temperature, or signs of sickness, while in school must be sent home. Districts can install more rigorous health screening guidelines, if wanted.
• Wash and sanitize hands — Schools must provide ample opportunities for students and teachers to wash their hands throughout the day. Hand sanitizer must be available in classrooms and at building entrances.
• Schools must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized — Any shared contact surface must be cleaned with disinfectants regularly.
• Practice social distancing — Keeping 6 feet between people can reduce spread of the virus, DeWine said. Schools should strive to keep 6 feet of distance between students, staff and volunteers. This could lead to staggered lunch times, for instance.

• Face coverings — Every school must develop a face covering policy. Staff will be required to wear face coverings while at school. Face shields may be used in place of masks, DeWine said. The state recommends students in grades 3 and up should wear face masks. Schools should reduce any stigma for students who cannot wear masks due to medical reasons.

Schools will maintain local control over implementation of these guidelines, DeWine said. Superintendents, school boards, principals and parents will continue to have primary control over individual districts. The governor said he wants to balance state interest and local control.

"We have an obligation, all of us, to educate our children and keep them safe. Parents are the first and best teachers. We also recognize that there is an obligation that we all have to education every child in this state regardless of their background, where they live and what their individual circumstances are," DeWine said.

The governor is working with the Ohio General Assembly to determine how to assist schools with implementing these guidelines. DeWine said he expects an announcement on funding assistance within the next week.

The reopening plan was designed with input from superintendents, teachers, health experts, politicians and educators.