DISD made the announcement shortly after a report from the Dallas County School Public Health and Education Committee. That group of experts recommended that all schools in Dallas County start the school year with online instruction only in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The report concluded that "by returning to in-person learning, the rates of transmission of the virus will increase."
The Dallas County experts are also recommending that schools do not sponsor or condone organized sporting activities such as football. That recommendation also extends to other extra-curricular activities including band, choir, and theater.
Dallas ISD officials will re-evaluate the situation in mid-September to determine if the coronavirus is still spreading within the community at dangerous levels. The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has meetings scheduled for September 10th and September 24th. School Board members could decide to extend their virtual-only instruction by another 20 days.