U-46 Elgin School District proposed plan calls for remote learning until October

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- The state's second largest school district unveiled its tentative plan to reopen schools this fall.

Elgin School District U-46 serves 38,000 students across 11 communities in Chicago's northwest suburbs.

Administrators Monday night said they will start the school year on August 24 with distance learning through October 9.

They're also recommending that small groups of students would be invited back to school on a limited basis throughout the quarter.

"I wanted to make sure we came in slowly," said Supt. Tony Sanders, School District U-46. "We will have students come into school buildings within the first quarter."

A survey of staff and parents found only a third of parents wanted a return to in-person learning for all students, with the remainder opting for either full-time distance learning or a hybrid model.

In the end, a hybrid model focused on students that require more hands on attention is what was decided upon.

"We will prioritize our younger students - pre-schoolers and kindergarten - students that have specialized needs, special education students and our English learners, said Sanders.

But while the district will bring groups of elementary and middle schoolers back starting October 12, all high schoolers should expect instruction to remain remote through the second quarter.

The District's reopening plan will be finalized at a special board meeting next Monday. However, officials say it could change if the number COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the state.

For more information on the plan, visit the school district's website.