The Montana School Safety Advisory Committee Issues School Re-Entry Guidance

April 29, 2020

HELENA— The Montana School Safety Advisory Committee (MSSAC) issued guidance to schools and families today regarding best practices for re-entry and partial re-entry back into schools based on the three phases issued by the Governor for reopening our state.  In coordination with local public health departments, school districts may begin the preparations for the reopening of schools on May 7. The full guidance can be found HERE.

As districts approach the opening of school buildings, MSSAC encourages schools to continue to take safety precautions to ensure the health of students, staff, and the greater community. As demonstrated in the Governor's directive, re-entry of students can be conducted in three distinct phases, following current CDC guidelines and other safety measures to prevent a re-emergence of COVID-19. It is recommended that districts reestablish their “Emergency Operations Team” (EOP) and assign a lead for the following recovery areas: 

a) Academic Programming

b) Physical & Structural Environment

c) Business Environment

d) Social, Emotional and Behavioral 

As the school reopens the EOP team can monitor the progression through the three distinct phases: 

a) Phase 1: Limiting the number of students present in school buildings. 

b) Phase 2: Full capacity but limiting the number of activities to allow for continued social distancing.

c) Phase 3: Near full capacity and full operations but with continued vigilance in health and safety best practices.

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CONTACT:   Dylan Klapmeier

                       Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction

                       dylan.klapmeier@mt.gov

                       406-444-3559