In-person learning will be the goal of the DeLand-Weldon School district starting in August.

Superintendent Amanda Geary on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday told Regional Radio News they are going to follow all the IDPH and ISBE guidance in returning and are offering remote learning options. She adds they will dismiss daily at 1:30 pm.

Students coming to the building will have their temperatures taken daily. Geary indicates they are encouraging students to wear tennis shoes daily because there will be no changing for physical education. Additionally, they are working to utilize their outdoor areas so kids can get a reprieve from the masking mandates.

According to Geary, the district surveyed their community and found there was a segment that did not want to send their kids back due to the masking mandate.

Teachers are ready for students to return to classes as well. Geary believes there was some apprehension about getting back but now they are ready. She adds they are planning for the possibility of remote learning.

Geary does have concerns about what happens if a student or staff member tests positive for the coronavirus during the school year. She explains the complicating factor is each teacher sees each student during the day and that has her concerned if there is a positive test.

Geary plans to send her children back to school where they attend in Lincoln. She is promoting mask-wearing for them. 

She says they are doing everything in their power to keep kids safe and believes kids being back in school is best for them to return to their social interactions. She is understanding of any hesitations by the community but continues to stress the health and safety of students and their staff is their top priority.