The public schools in Springfield, Massachusetts, will keep classes remote-only through at least the first few months of the year.
That was the decision Thursday night after the school committee heard from industrial hygienist Bob Kirchherr that he needed several weeks to inspect ventilation systems at Springfield's 57 schools.
Kirchherr noted the state only released ventilation guidelines to schools in late July.
"Much, much more work in performing this assessment is needed before we can give you a comprehensive answer," he told officials.
The school committee unanimously voted to begin the school year remote-only, but much of the meeting focused on what to call the plan.
Vice-chair Chris Collins worried the district could lose state or federal funding without in-person learning, so he pushed for the word "qualified" in the name of the plan. That was rejected after several said the phrasing could confuse parents.
"If we have to revisit [this decision] in eight to 12 weeks, then let's revisit it in eight to 12 weeks," committee member Diane Hurst said. "But let's call it what it is: remote."
Springfield's superintendent, Daniel Warwick, said remote learning plans will be far better this fall than they were in the spring, acknowledging they were "more disted" than school officials would have liked.
