Clay County School District approves Smart Restart school reopening plan

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Last year was challenging for teachers, students, and parents as kids had to navigate in-person and virtual learning.

Superintendent David Broskie wants parents to know the district is ready to welcome back its students.

“I can assure parents that Clay County District Schools take the safety of the students and faculty extremely seriously and protocols are in place in order to provide the safest protocols as possible,” Broskie said.

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That’s why it formally approved its Smart Restart School reopening plan Tuesday morning.

This year, students will still get the option to attend in-person learning or online learning through Clay Virtual Academy.

Before sending kids off to school the district is asking that parents provide temperature checks for their children before getting on the bus or going into the school building.

If children feel sick, they’ll be taken to an isolation room and will need to be picked up by a parent or guardian.

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School leaders told Action News Jax face masks will not be mandatory in schools, although they will be highly encouraged.

The school district said it understands that some are against face coverings, but it will continue to recommend them since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“You look at the statistics for our K through 2nd grade students which mask were optional, there’s no statistically significant increase for that age group when mask were optional,” Broskie said.

Inside the classroom, the desks will be arranged three feet apart to allow for social distancing.

The cafeteria will still post social distancing signs and staff will sanitize those high touch areas.

“We’re looking forward to another school year. My personal goal is to get us back to normal as soon as possible,” Broskie said.

School in Clay County begins Aug. 10.

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