MNPS announce three possible scenarios for schools reopening this fall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools has revealed three possible scenarios in which schools would reopen in August amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Metro city leaders announced their “Nashville Plan,” which includes having specific guidelines and protocols in place to keep students and staff safe. Those guidelines are based on the level of community spread at the time schools would reopen.

The plan’s recommendations have operational minimum guidelines based on three levels of community spread:

• “No Spread to Minimal Spread: Corresponding to Phase 4 of the Roadmap, schools would operate under relatively normal conditions under this scenario. Steps taken would be similar to what occurs during a normal flu season.”

• “Minimal to Moderate Spread: Corresponding to Phase 3 of the Roadmap, schools would engage in significant social-distancing protocols to reduce potential contact between staff and students. Masks would be worn in common areas, entrances and exits would be limited, largescale assemblies would be discontinued, hallways would be made one-way in certain circumstances, meals would be eaten in classes when possible or schools would enact social distancing policies in cafeterias.”

• “Significant Spread: Corresponding to Phase 2 or less of the roadmap, school facilities would be closed. Students would learn remotely whenever possible. Each school, organization, or district will develop their own specific implementation plans for how to operate under the three scenarios outlined. Unique challenges, such as vulnerable student populations, facility capacities, or successful implementation of remote learning in an equitable fashion, must be considered when developing plans for implementing the framework.”

The Nashville Plan was developed by a task force chaired by Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of schools, and Dr. Alex Jahangir, chair of the city’s COVID-19 task force.

Battle said while they are “optimistic” that schools will “return to some sense of normalcy” in August, they “must be vigilant to ensure the safety of all when doing so.”

“We’ve learned a lot about COVID-19 over these last three months, and we are sure to learn more by the time schools re-open,” said Dr. Jahangir. “We must all be forward-thinking in our approach and ready to adapt and respond to changing circumstances so that we can ensure a safe and high-quality learning environment for all students in Nashville.”

The district will release more detailed reopening plans during the week of July 6.

On Monday, MNPS also announced that every child will have a laptop this year as an investment made from CARES Act funds.

Statewide, re-opening plans will vary by district and on a case-by-case basis. The state is also working on guidelines for staff members on what to do if a student tests positive for COVID-19 this fall.