POTSDAM -- Potsdam Central’s Reopening Committee is tackling obstacles and challenges the district may face as they try to maintain a safe learning environment while possibly reopening in the fall.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has provided a timeline for the decision on school reopening. Guidance will be issued for schools July 13 and districts need to submit reopening plans to the state by July 31.

The decision about school reopening will be made Aug. 4-7. Chambers said she believes decisions will be made regionally, based on local public health data, similar to the phased reopening of businesses.

There are likely three possible scenarios for students returning this fall. Students could return to traditional classrooms with safety measures in place. Students could receive education through a hybrid program that sees some remote learning and some classroom learning. The third option would see students doing all work online from their homes. Each scenario presents pros and cons.

The Reopening Committee met July 7 for the second time via Zoom. The committee is made up of administrators, teachers, support staff and parents. The group broke into seven subcommittees and discussed obstacles and challenges under the scenarios outlined above.

Topics discussed include how instruction would be handled, child care, emotional needs, grading, internet access, scheduling, transportation, and safety measures such as masks, screening for symptoms and cleaning protocols.

The subcommittees are expected to meet again July 20-24, with the full committee reconvening the week of July 27-31.