By Cheryl Jahn

Back to school plan

Back to school plan yet to be defined

May 7, 2020 | 4:10 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It is time to start thinking about a return to the classroom for B.C. students. That was the message from Premier John Horgan yesterday, as part of his Restart Plan. But he also cautioned that June would be a “dry run” when it comes to what K – 12 education will look like at the start of the new academic year in September.

Schools in B.C. have remained open and classes are being conducted in those classrooms to accommodate children of essential service workers and others. In School District 57, that is about 600 kids in the classrooms. But the actions moving forward from here are unknown.

“We heard that just like everyone else did yesterday and so we are all at work now continuing to think about what that will look like,” explains Anita Richardson, Superintendent of District 57.

In a letter to staff in District 57, Richardson wrote: “We have been working under a philosophy that if someone was able to complete meaningful work from home, they should. Starting Monday, May 11 we are transitioning to an evolved way of thinking where everyone capable of working on site should be doing so.”

“The current temporary work from home agreements will expire next week.”

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However, she apologizes for any confusion that may have created and it was certainly not a directive to return to onsite education.

“So the letters was a way to say to staff, ‘We are making a transition. We are starting that transition on Monday, May 11.’ To start thinking about ringing the staff who are capable of being on site, on site as much as possible.”

Premier Horgan alluded during his address to further details on the plan to be forthcoming as early as next week.