Watch: Sandusky, Huron superintendents talk reopening plans

SANDUSKY — Reopening plans are taking shape for Erie County schools. Sandusky Schools superintendent Eugene Sanders, Huron Schools superintendent Dennis Muratori and Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade appeared on "Between the Lines" Tuesday afternoon. Perkins Schools superintendent Todd Boggs, who was scheduled to appear on the program, did not arrive for the interview. The hour-long video is available for demand viewing at sanduskyregister.com and the Register's YouTube channel. Earlier this month, Gov. Mike DeWine provided basic reopening guidelines for Ohio schools to follow but left it to elected boards to make final decisions. A reader survey at sanduskyregister.com said, of 334 responses, 56 percent are planning on or leaning toward sending their children back to school in some way. Sanders and Muratori said their districts will adopt a hybrid re-entry plan, meaning both virtual and in-person learning will be used. Students at these districts attend in-person classes on different days to prevent spreading the coronavirus so school buildings can maintain 50 percent capacity each day. One day each week at both districts will be dedicated to small group instruction and providing help to students. Having a combination of in-person and virtual learning makes it easier for Sandusky and Huron to pivot to one or the other if new state mandates occur. "That's one of the key advantages of a hybrid model," Sanders said. The school leaders and Schade fielded multiple questions from the Register and families about their reopening plans and how Huron and Sandusky are preparing for the new school year. For instance, Sandusky and Huron pushed back students' first days of school to provide training for teachers and staff. Huron students will now return Aug. 31 and Sandusky students will go back Sept. 3. For online assignments, all Sandusky and Huron students will be given an electronic device. Families needing internet access will be connected to the internet from a local provider. Both districts will provide online learning options for families uncomfortable with sending their children to school buildings. "There's no substitute for time in front of a highly qualified teacher," Muratori said. "We learned so much before from the spring that we're much better positioned to (have virtual learning) and offer quality educational opportunities." Schade said Erie County has seen an uptick in cases since about July 4. As of Tuesday evening, there were 328 confirmed cases with 22 deaths. But 99 percent of Erie County's new cases have been traced to homes and businesses, not a congregate setting like a nursing home. Schade said he's always concerned someone will contract the coronavirus, but trusts schools will follow guidelines enforcing social distancing, face masks, hand washing, sanitization of surfaces and more. The health department and Erie County schools have worked on reopening plans for several weeks. Sanders and Muratori assured families they're doing all they can to keep students and teachers safe. "It's one of the most difficult decisions we'll ever have to make," Muratori said. Everyone has different needs, wants and beliefs. We're going to do everything within reason to create a safe environment that addresses academic, physical and social-emotional needs of children." Added Sanders: "We want to work together and it's a team effort towards the work that we're trying to accomplish. We want to make difficult decisions in a clear, transparent way and be open for feedback and adaptable to change and do what's necessary for our children." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood