A New Year begins with school districts struggling with a divisive question: to close classrooms or not to close?
Arizonaâs COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population soared to 121, highest in the country, according to CDC data released Monday, Jan. 4.
As of Dec. 31, Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear and Tolleson were all above 700 cases per 100,000 in the last seven days, with Litchfield Park over 600 new cases per 100,000 in the last seven days.
While previous guidance from public health officials was to close classrooms and have online teaching, officials are now urging districts to teach students in classrooms.
The guidance is somewhat conflicting.
For public schools in the West Valley, the Maricopa County school metrics shows an overall risk level of âsubstantialâ and ârecommended learning scenario is: virtual with onsite support.â