Parent Advisory Group Formed As N.A. Schools Prepare For Fall

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover Public Schools has formed a parent advisory group as it plans to reopen in the fall.

Under guidance issued by the state Thursday, all districts are required to create three plans for the fall: in-person, remote and hybrid schooling, to adapt to the coronavirus outbreak. Superintendent Gregg Gilligan said the administration hopes to have a reopening that "resembles a typical fall opening as much as possible."

Each school has one representative on the advisory group, and focus groups will be held at each school to provide district leaders with feedback.

>>MA School Reopening: Masks, Remote Learning Plan Required

The School Committee also wrote a letter to state officials demanding that there be "no unfunded mandates for COVID-19."

The Committee's letter notes that there will be "enormous additional staffing, transportation and material expenses" for schools to open safely while maintaining social distancing and having adequate personal protective equipment and cleaning materials to prevent the virus's spread.

"The state must guarantee every school district full reimbursement for whatever COVID-19 expenses are required to follow state mandates," the Committee wrote.

The district plans to seek more feedback from parents over the course of the summer, Gilligan wrote.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.