The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities voted unanimously that Leonard Kirtz School remains closed to in-person learning for the first nine weeks of the 2020-2021 school year.

The decision was made basic on the fact the students may have a difficult time wearing masks, social distancing in more difficult for staff and students, and do to the health risks for the students.

Dr. Gina Symsek, the principal at LKS, said it was a difficult decision. “Our students learn best with direct instruction from teachers, but we also need to be cognizant of their health and safety. We are actively planning for remote learning and will continue to work to meet their educational needs under these circumstances.”

The school has 71 students enrolled for the fall. The first day of school is September 8.