The Youngstown City School District is moving closer to a return to normalcy following almost a year of remote learning due to the coronavirus.

"This is what I think I have to do and what we have to do in order to move forward," CEO Justin Jennings said. "Eventually, we are going to have to go back and being able to work through those safety protocols, and doing those different things now I think will be more beneficial than waiting until next year."

YCSD students have already been back in the classroom for in-person testing, and beginning March 23, pre-kindergarten through first graders and those with multiple disabilities and autism will return for in-person learning.

The district says they will use a hybrid model starting in March for those students, with in-person learning taking place twice a week.

Second, through fifth graders are set to return to in-person classes on Mondays and Fridays starting April 13.

Remote learning will continue on days when in-person learning isn't happening.

Families will still have the option to keep their children home and continue remote learning if they choose.

"As I've said since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety of our scholars, families, teachers, staff, and the community is the most important thing," Jennings said. 

The district says buildings will be deep cleaned and sanitized when students aren't in the building. Students will wear masks during class, and seating will be spaced out for social distancing.

"We have the temperature monitors for every school, they're electronic, so when you walk in, you get those," Jennings said. "All of our students have their own desk shields; we will also provide masks. We have hand sanitizers in every room and in the hallways."

Mahoning County is currently still in the red category for coronavirus transmission risk, and Jennings said he used the CDC's guidance to formulate this plan.

"The CDC recommends schools in areas with higher transmission risk remain virtual for older scholars. I think this is the best option," said Jennings.

As for those who have criticized Jennings for his response to returning to in-person learning, Jennings has this to say.

"You never have to make a decision fast; you just have to make it informed. I know this is not as fast as what people want, but I think it's the best fit for what we need and what we'd like to do," Jennings said. 

Phase 2 of the reopening plan includes learning recovery and extended learning and Summer enrichment plans from June 7th through July 9th. Jennings says he will release the Summer enrichment plan on April 1st. They currently plan to do in-person learning for students who have low attendance, low scores on assessments and tests, Middle School and 8th-grade transitions, Summer Seniors, and VPA Enrichment camps. 

Jennings also announced a tentative plan for district realignment in 2021-2022. 

The elementary school will be made up of Pre-K through 5th grade. Middle School will be 6th-8th grade. High School will be 9th-12th grade. 

A virtual option will remain for those families that don't want to send their students back to school. 

"There are some students who are flourishing from this, and we want to give them the best option," Jennings said. "Let's be honest; we lose a lot of students to our virtual academies all over, so why not offer it and give them the opportunity to do that as well."

Jennings says more details on Phase 2 and 3 for next year will be released in the coming months.