Minisink Valley Central School District > Archive > Gov. Cuomo announces metrics for New York schools reopening as Minisink Valley’s reopening plan work continues
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Gov. Cuomo announces metrics for New York schools reopening as Minisink Valley’s reopening plan work continues

Gov. Cuomo announced New York state’s formula to determine which school districts can reopen to students in September during a media briefing today, July 13.

Metrics of Gov. Cuomo's reopening planSchools will open if a region is in Phase IV and the daily infection rate remains below 5 percent, or lower, using a 14-day average since New York ‘unPause” was lifted.

But, schools will stay closed if the regional infection rate is greater than 9 percent using a seven-day average after Aug. 1.  

The formula will be implemented during the week of Aug. 1, based on COVID-19 data in each region.

If reopening takes place, schools must follow guidelines specific to their districts.  Minisink Valley is continuing its intensive work to finalize its reopening plan, which is due to the state by July 31.

“Our team is working very hard at looking at the three widely accepted scenarios of a full return to school, a hybrid model or a fully remote instructional plan,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “I want to assure our community that our focus remains, first and foremost, on the good health, safety and security of our students in tandem with providing the best model of learning to ensure student academic achievement as COVID-19 issues continue to be in the forefront.”

Mr. Monahan added: “We remain very grateful to our community for their ongoing patience and understanding as we work to thoroughly review state and national guidance on the reopening of our schools.”

Also today, the New York State Education Department presented its “Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing: The Spirit of New York’s Schools Reopening Guidance” plan to the New York State Board of Regents.

“Recovering, Rebuilding, and Renewing: The Spirit of New York’s Schools Reopening Guidance”

State Education Department Presents Framework of Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools

The New York State Health Department has released its own guidelines, which will be used by districts to develop plans.

The health department’s guidelines include masks and PPE whenever students or staff cannot maintain social distancing (six feet of separation). It also includes guidelines on cleaning, screening, tracing, transportation and food service.

July 8: Decision on New York schools reopening to come in early August