State officials haven’t made any decisions yet about how schools will reopen, but they are looking to use federal funding to boost remote learning opportunities. During state officials’ COVID-19 briefing Wednesday, Office of Management and Budget Director Chris Johnston said the state is applying for money from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.
“The focus on that really is remote learning for primarily the K-through-12 school corporations,” Johnston explained. “And so looking at that, as far as access to devices, access to connectivity, and then also, looking at the training for teachers, so that we actually have very effective remote learning.”
Governor Holcomb said he’s still a couple weeks away from deciding how schools will reopen, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of a gradual reopening that could vary from county to county. “I’m convinced that we will be able to reopen safely,” the governor said. “And it won’t be hodge-podge, but there won’t be one-size-fits-all. This will be informed, from the very local level through the Department of Education and our administration, to open safely.”
Holcomb said he’s been impressed with the information he’s seen from K-through-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities. He added that he isn’t surprised that some of the state’s college presidents have been recognized nationally for their thorough and thoughtful plans.
