Plano ISD to discuss reopening options after Gov. Abbott announces intent to return to in-person learning

PLANO, TX – Plano ISD trustees will discuss options for reopening schools in the fall after the Texas governor made known his intention for schools to return to in-person instruction.

Superintendent Sara Bonser will present possible plans June 23 for the fall semester at the board’s 7 p.m. meeting.

The presentation is expected to come on the heels of new guidance from the Texas Education Agency, which is expected to be delivered to school districts June 23 as well.

Gov. Greg Abbott has told state lawmakers that Texas students will be returning to public schools in the fall, according to The Texas Tribune.

“It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall. But there will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely, if the parent so chooses,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement to The Texas Tribune.

Plano ISD has already announced it intends to stick to its existing, approved school calendar schedule, confirming in a Facebook post that school is set to begin Aug. 12.

“Whether instruction is in-person, remote or a combination, Plano ISD will proceed with the adopted school calendar for 2020-21,” the district said in the post.

The district is also forming a new advisory group to provide “critical feedback” about the back-to-school plans.

“In addition to volunteer names submitted by each campus principal, we are seeking additional parent volunteers representing a wide cross section of student needs and interests to serve as part of this advisory group,” the district said June 18 in a message to parents.