CINCINNATI — Due to staffing challenges and rising COVID-19 cases across the region, Cincinnati Public Schools is moving to a five-day per week distance learning model starting Nov. 23.
"Like other essential organizations, the higher level of community spread has a direct impact on staff absenteeism," read a release from CPS Tuesday night. "Teachers and staff must stay home when sick, when in quarantine as a result of a close contact, or as needed to take care of family members."
Superintendent Laura Mitchell recommended the district move classes back online as COVID-19 cases rise in Hamilton County and across Ohio.
"My recommendation is that Nov. 20 would be the last day of in-person instruction for the remainder of this calendar year," Mitchell said during a special CPS Board of Education meeting Tuesday.
Students would return to in person learning after winter break on Jan. 4 if community health data supports the move, according to the release.
Mitchell said during the transition week Nov. 16-20, students would not have virtual learning at their own school and would access work through Schoology.
The CPS administration also encouraged community members to wear masks and "to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing" to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Families can find more information here, or by calling the district's customer care hotline at (513) 363-0123.
CPS phased in its blended learning modelon Oct. 12 after some delay and after a school year that started virtually in August.
