Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker announced via YouTube on Friday that the district will open with in-person learning this fall. However, students and staff will be required to wear masks indoors.

“As you know, we faced some challenges as we awaited the New York State Department of Health guidance that would come out to tell us what we were allowed to do and not to do in our schools,” Whitaker said. “They said that guidance would come out very shortly in at the end of the particular week they announced it. At the end of that week, it was announced that they would not be providing any guidance whatsoever and it was up to local districts and local health departments.”

He said based on local guidance and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the district has decided upon in-person instruction. “I have good news,” Whitaker said. “We are going to be bringing back all of our students five days a week full days.”

Whitaker said, along with the masking policy, there will be no remote learning option available at this time. However, accommodations can be made. If a student is immunocompromised, he said parents are asked to meet with their child’s physician and provide proof to the district that the student is immunocompromised. The district will then work with the parents on home instruction.

In a separate news release, the district announced that students, staff and visitors will also be required to maintain social distancing of 3 feet while on school grounds. COVID-19 screenings will also be held each morning before anyone can enter the building.

“As a district, we understand the need and importance of in-person learning for our students,” Whitaker said. “We are preparing for the return of ALL students to full-day, in-person instruction beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Please remember that all decisions regarding reopening of schools in September could be subject to change depending on updated CDC or New York state guidelines, or new direction from the Chautauqua County Department of Health. We thank our families and staff for their understanding during these challenging times and their help in ensuring that our school community stays healthy and safe. We will keep our families updated on any additional changes we receive regarding the reopening of school.”

Whitaker said other questions regarding reopening will be answered in upcoming updates and individual schools.

“Good news — we’re coming back,” Whitaker said in closing. “I can’t wait!”