DES MOINES, Iowa - Des Moines Public Schools is holding a special meeting tonight to present a plan for getting into compliance with the state's requirement for in-person classes.
The district's been holding online classes since starting school on September 8th, and the state Education Department has indicated its going to punish the district for defying guidelines.
Education Department Director Ann Lebo has said the department would have to initiate that process. Students will still earn credit for online classes, but the district could lose its accreditation.
The Des Moines School Board released a statement saying its only intent has been how to safely return to school as Iowa continues to be one of the nation’s COVID-19 hot spots.
It says it'll require all students and staff to wear masks all day while at school when in-person classes resume.
It also says a bus driver shortage related to the high COVID-19 positivity rate in Polk County means school start times may need to be staggered. It says students may need to depart from home much earlier than they have in years past, or, return home later in the evening.
The Monday evening Des Moines School Board meeting takes place at 5 p.m.