All Youngstown City School District students will have the option of returning to in-person instruction, beginning the week of March 15.

Families will still have the option to continue with remote instruction full-time.

Pre-kindergarten through fifth-graders will return Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 16.

All students at Rayen Early College Middle School, regardless of grade level, will return to in-person instruction Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 16.

Sixth through 12th-graders will return Mondays and Fridays, beginning March 15.

Youngstown Schools CEO Justin Jennings said he remains mindful of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

"After talking to other school officials from across the state, I believe that if we follow all of the mask and social-distancing requirements, we'll be able to open all of our school buildings and still keep scholars and staff safe. We will continue to monitor the virus situation and make adjustments if required."

Jennings originally cited guidance earlier in the week by the Centers for Disease Control which recommended middle and high schools in communities with high transmission risk remain remote.

Originally, only elementary school students were planned to return to in-person learning. 

Jennings said in a press release Monday, “The CDC recommends schools in areas with higher transmission risk remain virtual for older scholars. I think this is the best option.”

Now all grade levels have the option to return to in-person learning.

Wednesdays across the district will be reserved for educator office hours, professional development and deep building cleaning.

The school district will also still have weekly food distribution on Wednesdays.

Remote instruction will continue for all students on the days in-person instruction is not occurring.

Surveys are being sent out to families to allow them to indicate their preferences for in-person or fully remote instruction.

Parents and/or guardians will not be permitted in the school buildings.

The district also says transportation has been a concern because of the number of YCSD buses, social distancing guidelines and the requirement to transport students from private and community/charter schools.

Depending on the number of students who plan to return to buildings, the district may need to contract with an outside provider to transport some scholars, but those details are not yet outlined.

All scholars and staff will be required to wear masks.

Desk shields are being installed in classrooms and floors and seating areas will be marked to ensure social distancing.