Charlotte County schools offering multiple options for students as reopening nears

Brad Yuncker and his family are soaking up the final weeks of summer vacation, prepping for the new school year amidst the pandemic.

“I would really like to learn more on how they plan on protecting all the kids and the staff members,” he said.

Families in Charlotte County can send their child to brick-and-mortar classrooms, enroll in virtual school or switch to home-schooling.

“Something needs to be figured out before they send everybody back to school,” Yuncker said.

The district says students who have COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and attendance is excused for students who test positive.

Masks will be allowed in schools and buses and nurses will work with the health department to minimize spread.

“To open back up with brick-and-mortar as one of the choices, it’s an unknown entity right now,” said retired Charlotte County Schools principal, Barney Duffy.

He believes the plan is a good start, but that his former colleagues have their own list of worries.

“The biggest concern is, what if a kid gets sick? Does the whole class then have to quarantine? Many of them are scared. They have families of their own, and it’s an uncertain time for all of us at best,” he said.

Yuncker has a tough choice to make, especially for his soon-to-be preschooler.

“I would rather not send him and let things calm down before we make that decision,” he said.

Parents can sign their children up for Charlotte virtual school through the end of July. You can click here to learn more.

The first day of school is set for Aug. 10.

For more details on the school district’s reopening plan and guidelines, click here.