The New York State Education Department is looking at a plan to get rid of snow days for thousands of schoolchildren across the state, including the Utica-Rome area.
Under some district's plans, even in the Utica area, students will wear a mask into class, then remove it when seated. The union that represents teachers in New York says that's not good enough.
Many Central New York school districts are using a hybrid format this year, with some lessons online and some in-person. The same goes for districts across the US, leading one to institute a dress code for virtual lessons.
School districts are facing many challenges as they plan to reopen schools in the fall. Perhaps the biggest challenge is guidance asking districts to ensure social distancing - decreasing classroom and bus capacities significantly.
As school districts across Central New York announce their reopening plans, all their plans hinge on the decision of Governor Cuomo, who says he'll determine whether schools reopen at all this year.
The Rome City School District is getting ready to welcome kids back to the classroom, physically and virtually. School officials are working on building a plan that focuses on health and safety while educating students.
Everything we know at about school will be different come September - starting with the ride in. School buses are going to be completely different for Utica-Rome area students.