While Indiana schools have ended for the 2019-2020 year, they will soon be starting back up for the next academic year. The way that students will return to class for the 2020-2021 year is going to vary across the state. Some Indiana school districts plan on holding the majority of their classes online, while other districts will go right back into school buildings as normal. There are also areas of the state that are going to do a combination of remote and in-person learning.

According to Indiana state schools Superintendent Jennifer McCormick, schools are working hard to get students back to class and learning the best way possible. As a result, the way that each district moves forward may differ. Rural communities that have fewer students and more spacing may prefer to go a more traditional route, while urban areas with many students could choose to stay online or venture to do a hybrid learning schedule.

Indiana has developed a re-entry plan but it is not mandatory and it is also quite expansive. This plan offers options for each school district to choose what best practices for their students and faculty will look like. For example, health screenings and wearing masks are among the suggestions. There may be schools that mandate masks to be worn at all times, while others will not require them at all or for only certain activities. To support the schools, the governor’s office will purchase 2 million masks specifically for those districts that decide it necessary for masks to be worn.

So, what happens when there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the schools? The state recommends shutting brick-and-mortar buildings down for two to five days so that they can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, testing efforts could be essential to support tracing. Understandably, this protocol would mean significant disruptions in learning for those districts that choose to move forward with in-person classes. These districts would be forced to figure out a plan to help children continue to learn despite disruptions in their learning environments.

There is no doubt, figuring out the right solution for schools is a complex process and will differ from school to school. Fortunately, the state’s guidelines and the plan have flexibility built-in. This gives all of the various Indiana school districts the ability to incorporate the state’s suggestions while finding the right solutions for their population.

What About Indiana School’s Grab-and-Go Meals?

The schools have been providing meals for families to utilize if they have financial difficulty or are unable to provide adequate food to sustain themselves. The schools received waivers that said they would be reimbursed for the expense they incurred paying for this program. Currently, the grab-and-go meal program in Indiana will end on August 30, 2020. Answers to how this program and the schools will proceed are still forthcoming.

Has Your Family Situation Changed? Do You Need a Modification in Your Indiana Divorce Agreement?

If the fluctuating schedule of the schools has caused a change in the amount of time you or your ex-spouse have with your children per your Indiana parent custody agreement, you may need legal assistance. It is possible that you will require a change in the parameters of your custody agreement with your ex-spouse to better suit your new circumstances. 

As a trusted and respected Indiana child custody lawyer, Christopher L. Arrington, P.C. can help. Call Christopher L. Arrington, P.C. at my Danville family law firm at (317) 745-4494 today to schedule your free consultation.