"After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with a proposal to adopt the Year-Round Designation with the Texas Education Agency," the letter reads.
The letter came the same day Gov. Greg Abbott told lawmakers that he wanted districts to plan for having children back on campus in the fall, though districts will be able to offer online learning options. The Texas Education Agency is developing guidance for school districts and will release it by June 23, The Texas Tribune reported.
School will start Aug. 24 as originally planned and set by state law, but the district will offer "Academic Boot Camps" for students who may have lost academic progress amid the COVID-19 school shutdowns. These will be offered for the 10 days in August before school starts, as well as during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks. The updated calendar has been published here.
In the letter, the superintendent cited concerns that the proposed calendar, which had several weeklong intercessions, would pose additional challenges for some parents. She also said starting later gives more time to prepare for the return to campuses.
"The later start date provides the district to monitor the pattern of COVID-19 cases and make necessary adjustments as it relates to in-person, virtual learning, or a combination of the two," Lathan wrote.
A committee has been formed to determine processes for returning students to school in 2020 and is gathering input from parents in a COVID-19 survey to help guide those efforts.
The district is also moving forward with developing plans for adjusting the 2021-22 and future year calendars as part of the District of Innovation process.
