PROVIDENCE, RI– In recognition of today's deadline for the submission of draft school reopening plans to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and in response to the White House's rejection of science in their school decision-making, Governor Gina Raimondo, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott released the following joint statement:
"Every step of the way, our state's response to COVID-19 has been driven by science. We have rejected the false choice of an all-or-nothing approach and taken targeted, data-driven steps to keep Rhode Islanders safe. As we look toward reopening schools, we will continue to put public health first and to rely on facts and science in making the best decisions for the mental, physical, and intellectual needs of our students."
In the coming weeks, RIDE will be reviewing reopening plans for every school district in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health and local education leaders. Each plan is expected to address how schools will reopen under four scenarios – full in-person, partial in-person, limited in-person, and full distance learning.