Several North Texas School Districts Delay Start Of Fall Semester

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Cedar Hill ISD, DeSoto ISD, Duncanville ISD and Lancaster ISD have all announced their first day of school will be Tuesday, September 8th. They have issued a joint statement that "postponing the school start date will allow school systems in our area time to assess the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust accordingly". 

The districts made their announcement as Dallas County officials were announcing that schools would be required to only hold classes on-line prior to September 8th.

"Based on the data we're receiving, feedback and input from our community, and also the information we're getting from the health leaders in our community... it just seemed like it was in the best interest of our students and our staff," said Tiara Richard, Chief Communications Officer with the Duncanville ISD. "The health of students and our staff is always our top priority. 

We just have a lot of unknowns...and even with the information that we do have, it's showing numbers that are higher than we have seen."

Other school districts in north Texas are holding to their mid-August start dates and pledging to comply with the prohibition on in-person instruction for the first few weeks.

The Garland ISD will maintain its start date on August 10th, with all classes being taught on-line. Students will have the option to return to campus beginning September 8th.

The Mesquite ISD's calendar shows the first day of school on August 17th. A statement from the district says officials are aware of the Dallas County order and are evaluating how it will affect their plans. The MISD will send a letter to parents next week about how they will move forward in compliance with the order.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD will start its school year August 17th with all students learning at home. That policy will remain in effect for three weeks, with students being allowed on-campus starting September 8th.