Released: August 4, 2020
The Chester County Health Department has issued guidance for schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance follows months of communication with County superintendents and other school administrators and was established to assist superintendents as they determine their individual plan for the 2020/2021 school year. The guidance includes best practices and public health guidelines for in-person classroom learning.
Delaware County Council recognizes the value of in-person education for both teachers and students and their families. Council has had ongoing meetings with school districts and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) throughout the pandemic and realizes that every school district has their own unique structural and financial differences and respects each district’s individual needs and resources. As the school year approaches, superintendents face extraordinary challenges about how to best meet the needs of their students and staff.
Delaware County Council and the Chester County Health Department will offer support to districts as they begin the school year and throughout the school year. Given the urgency of the financial situation for many school districts as they make these difficult decisions, Council is calling for prompt federal funding to help assist schools during this critical juncture.
The health, safety and well-being of students, families, and educators is a priority. Council, in partnership with the Chester County Health Department, looks forward to continuing to work with the school districts and the DCIU as they work through these challenges and ever-evolving circumstances.
Chester County Health Department’s guidance can be found here: https://www.chesco.org/4397/Coronavirus--Resources-for-Schools (link no longer active)