INTERACTIVE: A majority of Richardson ISD survey respondents opt for in-person learning

A majority of Richardson ISD families who responded to a recent survey said they plan to send their children back to school in the fall.

More than 11,000 students, or 64% of respondents, will return to campus. The remaining 6,414 students will attend virtual school, according to the survey. These numbers represent more than 50% of students currently enrolled for school year 2020-21, said Tim Clark, executive director of communications.

Elementary school aged-children had the most responses, with 6,897 students opting for in-person instruction and 3,778 students choosing the virtual option. Of the 2,526 junior high responses, 1,62 preferred face-to-face instruction, while the rest opted for virtual.

A majority of high school students, or about 62% of the nearly 4,600 respondents, said they plan to campus this fall. The remaining 37.7% are opting for virtual school.

The district had initially planned to reopen campuses Aug. 19; however, a July 16 order from Dallas County requires all public and private schools within its jurisdiction to remain closed for in-person classes until Sep. 8.

Superintendent Jeannie Stone announced via YouTube that school would begin in a fully virtual format Aug. 19.

“Delaying the start of in-person school will, for most, provide more time for the spread of the virus in Dallas County to slow from the current rate that is stressing our healthcare system and essential workers,” Stone said in the July 16 video.

The delay will also give students and teachers time to adjust to virtual school in the event more shutdowns occur, Stone said.

For more information, visit www.RISD.org.