Rich Byrne, Gail H. Cassell, Matthew E. Downs, Florida International University, John Halamka, Shayri M. Kansagra, Leavitt Partners, Rakhee Palekar, Neelima Ramaraju, Kunal J. Rambhia, Kippy Rudy, Jay Schnitzer, Taylor Wilkerson
August 2020
Introduction: The complex decision-making regarding reopening of schools compels careful thought, planning, and collaboration, within and across communities. Through this document, the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition provides clarifications, interpretations, and estimates that can be used as a resource by school leaders to develop and implement plans for returning to on-campus learning, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This document summarizes guiding principles and lessons learned, to provide current information (as of publication date) as well as additional resources to facilitate discussions and decisions regarding return to on-campus learning policies.
The reopening of schools—either to virtual or on-campus learning—is approaching quickly. Communities should give particular consideration to the socioeconomic challenges and disparities within their districts; the need for transparency in development and implementation of plans; and the provision of funding and resources to schools, teachers, and other school staff to ensure safety and efficacy of on-campus or virtual-learning environments.
