Ohio - The Ohio Department of Education has developed the first draft of a plan for reopening Ohio schools this fall.  The document titled "Reset & Restart" is described as being subject to discussion and development and still offers local control and flexibility.

The state plan does not mandate requirements for school districts but does say that districts should make certain health measures a part of a daily protocol.  

Physical distancing, hand washing, sanitizing, masks and temperature checks are just a few.

The Superintendent for the Mahoning County Educational Service Center says because the situation in two or three months is unknown, schools will actually need to plan for three options.

"One of which would be a full return to school, one of which would be fully remote, and the other of which is a hybrid," Traci Hostetler said.
 
She says the plans go beyond just the classroom. "We're looking at transportation, logistics, safety,  instruction, everything we can look at in terms of keeping the kids safe,".

The CEO of Youngstown schools feels kindergarten, the youngest children will offer a separate challenge.

"Part of their curriculum is learning to play well with others and interacting, different things like, that so those are things we'll have to consider as well," CEO Justin Jennings.

Administrators say that even though they are working in partnership with the health department, no all parents are going to be comfortable with the reopening.

"So I think the role of parents is just being a team member and being honest with us and letting us help meet their needs," Hostetler said. 

State officials say they expect the reopening of schools will result in virus flare-ups, and they have specific guidelines for schools to follow in that event.