The Chico Unified School District will open schools in January under a split, AM/PM schedule. That’s a continuation of the district’s current instruction model, allowing students to attend in-person classes in shifts. The district’s board decided last Friday that it will reassess in early February whether to open schools for full-day, in-person instruction. Newly seated board member Matt Tennis threw his support behind the plan. He said at Friday’s meeting that some households are struggling to balance financial responsibilities and student needs. “I’m fortunate to not be in a desperate life situation in this regard – when it comes to rent and food – but there are people in this district and there’s people who are watching this hearing right now who are in that situation,” Tennis said.