Public schools throughout Arizona began classes today. Most remain online but some districts have gone ahead with in-person instruction. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.Today is the first day of classes for school districts throughout the state.
The Flagstaff Unified School District started classes for its 9,600 students and 15 schools entirely online. The governing board made the decision last month to protect against the continued spread of COVID-19 in the area. Classes will be virtual into October when officials will reassess local conditions. Several charter schools also began the year virtually.
In addition, the Page and Kingman school districts started classes online today. Prescott schools are also virtual but officials hope to soon begin a hybrid learning model with some students in person. Yavapai County has a lower rate of COVID-19 spread than much of the state.
Elsewhere, Williams and Winslow schools began classes in-person but with the option for students to choose online instruction.
The World Health Organization recommends schools fully reopen only when the percentage of positive local tests is 5% or lower. Arizona’s rate is more than 12%, and Coconino County reports 10% of recent tests came back positive.
