DeKalb County schools push back first day of school year

DeKalb County schools push back first day of school year

Today - the superintendent of dekalb county schools released its guide for what you can expect next school year.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli reports one of the biggest changes is the start date for students.

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "we want to make sure the safety and wellness of our students is priority in all we do and that means things are going to look a little different."

Superintendent of dekalb county schools - jason barnett - said he's excited to get students back in the classroom - but with changes this year.

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "we want to welcome our faculty, our staff, our students and everyone back, but we have to do it safely."

Originally students were to report back to school on august 7th - but now barnett is recommending to the school board - some students report on august 10th.

It's something the board of education must approve.

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "we're asking our faculty and staff to do so many things differently.

Our bus drivers, cmps, nurses and everybody, so they need time to prepare for this as well and so giving them a little extra time, it may not be a whole lot, but it gives them a little bit of extra time to get prepared for this."

Barnett said the district will limit the number of students on buses to 48 max and drivers will have plans to make sure social distancing is enforced on the bus.

Not all students will eating meals together.

Barnett said the district is also looking at limiting the number of students in the cafeteria.

Are you going to get a fullscreen made for that track above?

Otherwise, what would your video be?

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "that means some students will be eating in the classroom, some students will be eating in the lunch room."

Schools plan on encouraging students to wear a mask - staff will follow guidelines set by the state.

Right now the health order says education employees within 6 feet of a student must wear a face covering.

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "the public health order will govern the employee use of mask."

So far - barnett says 4 percent of the student population signed up for the dekalb virtual academy.

Barnett says those who opt for online classes - will have a vigorous schedule.

Jason barnett, dekalb county schools superintendent: "our students, they only get one shot at getting a k-12 education...we want to support them in being able to make the most of their education, their childhood."

Sophia looklive: barnett says he is relying on parents for open and honest communication.

He says if your child feels sick - you need to keep them at home and make sure to let the school know.

In dekalb county - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.