Berkeley health officials gave the green light Friday to the city’s elementary schools to reopen on Oct. 13, but administrators said they won’t be ready by then.
They may have permission, but nevertheless, said Brent Stephens, Superintendent of Berkeley Unified School District, there’s still a lot more work to be done before on-campus learning can resume during the pandemic.
“There are dozens and dozens of actions required in these health plans of public schools,” Stephens told KCBS Radio. “Some of them are fairly straightforward and others are far more complicated.”
As with other districts, those steps include facilities upgrades, such as installing plexiglass barriers and improving ventilation, as well as setting up a testing regime for teachers and staff.
With all of that in mind, Stephens said he doesn’t imagine the Oct. 13 date is realistic.
Instead, the district plans to start smaller, by bringing back small numbers of younger students most in need of in-person learning.
That process is likely to begin before the end of the month.
“We want to be thinking seriously about health and safely, while we also balance the need to reopen our schools,” Stephens added.
Alameda County gave permission earlier this week for its elementary schools to reopen on Oct. 13, as well.
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