EBRPSS Shifts School Reopening Plans to All-Virtual Learning Model, Delays Start Date

Press Release Jul. 22 2020

Students to Engage in Virtual Learning from August 10 through Labor Day, Unless Otherwise Announced

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System today announced it will now offer an
all-virtual learning model for all students August 10 through Labor Day, unless otherwise announced.
The decision to change the original reopening plan and to delay the start date was made in response to
additional stakeholder feedback and continually rising local and state rates of COVID-19.
Under the all-virtual model, learning will be facilitated remotely through each student’s school of
record.

The district stands committed to gradually returning to face-to-face learning for students, prioritizing
those in the early grades first, as the city and state continue to monitor the public health crisis and
navigate the phased reopening.

In addition to the aforementioned shifts, it is important to note:

• Staff will engage in professional development from August 3-August 7. Staff will return to work
  for school-level professional development days during this period. By pushing back the start
  date for students from August 6 to August 10, staff have been given additional time to prepare
  for the first day. The delayed start date for students should have no impact on the academic
  calendar, including scheduled holidays.
• The district is poised to achieve a 1:1 student-to-device ratio by the start of school. For
  households in need of connectivity or devices, support will be provided. Families are
  encouraged to reach out to their child’s school for assistance or visit
  https://www.ebr.technology/ for more information.
• The district remains committed to frequent, clear communication. Information and updates
  will be provided through the district’s official communication channels, such as the district
  website, the EBR Schools Facebook page and robocalls to staff and families.
• Families will have the option of an all-virtual model for the entire school year. This will be an
  option even if schools shift to offering a hybrid learning model, in which students engage in
  face-to-face instruction on certain days each week and engage in remote learning on other days.

“We know the fall semester will look and feel different from those of the past. Just as none of us could
have predicted the past four months, the future remains uncertain,” said Leslie M. Brown, incoming
EBRPSS Superintendent. “Time and time again, the unity and collective strength of the EBR team has
proven itself resilient. In order to meet our challenges, we will continue to work together in the midst of
these unprecedented times. More than ever, we thank our educators for their commitment, and we
thank our students and families for their flexibility and perseverance. United with our community
partners, we continue to seek ways for collaboration and coordination of resources to move us
forward.”