Hull on How Schools Might Look Post-Coronavirus

NASBE President and CEO Robert Hull was interviewed for the KOMO News story, “COVID-19 could change the way schools operate for years to come.” An excerpt from the story:

In an interview with Robert Hull the President and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), Hull talked about what is being considered when it comes to schools able to reopen in the fall. He says not all schools will be able to reopen, but those that do will look radically different. NASBE recommends that the decision to reopen school be done on an individualized basis, locally, because resources vary from district to district.

“There are so many issues that states are going to have to grapple with. How do you open with social distancing? Do you no longer allow students to change classes? You put them in one room six feet apart and they don’t have that social interaction? If so, your high schools are going to look distinctly different,” said Hull.

Hull says priority number one will be the safety of students and staff when determining reopening. He said in order to reopen, schools may have to implement smaller class sizes, staggered start times, and limited class changes. Other things that will have to be considered include: how to transport kids safely, how to maintain social distancing during lunch time, what will disinfecting procedures look like? There’s also the question of personal protective equipment, will students and teachers be required to wear masks? Hull says all those things are under consideration right now. Bus transportation will likely be impacted, so will assemblies and sporting events. …