The largest school district in the state reported Sunday that 260 employees have tested positive for the coronavirus or are in quarantine because of possible exposure as they prepare for the new school year.Gwinnett County Public School teachers began in-person pre-planning Wednesday at the 141 facilities throughout the county. By the next day, approximately 260 employees had been excluded from work due to a positive case or contact with a case.The number is fluid, said Gwinnett spokeswoman Sloan Roach, as new reports come in and others move out of quarantine after a period of time.“Through...…The largest school district in the state reported Sunday that 260 employees have tested positive for the coronavirus or are in quarantine because of possible exposure as they prepare for the new school year.Gwinnett County Public School teachers began in-person pre-planning Wednesday at the 141 facilities throughout the county. By the next day, approximately 260 employees had been excluded from work due to a positive case or contact with a case.The number is fluid, said Gwinnett spokeswoman Sloan Roach, as new reports come in and others move out of quarantine after a period of time.“Through...WW…

The parking lot at Gwinnett County Public School’s district headquarters was surprisingly full for a July morning. The extra vehicles seen Friday belonged to parents, students and citizens wanting the district return to its initial back-to-school plan allowing in-person instruction.A crowd of nearly 500 people marched from the back of the parking lot to the entrance of the 200 building. Many did not realize that the administrative offices of Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks and other school leaders were on the other side.“We want choice, hear our voice,” they chanted.Among them were parents...…The parking lot at Gwinnett County Public School’s district headquarters was surprisingly full for a July morning. The extra vehicles seen Friday belonged to parents, students and citizens wanting the district return to its initial back-to-school plan allowing in-person instruction.A crowd of nearly 500 people marched from the back of the parking lot to the entrance of the 200 building. Many did not realize that the administrative offices of Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks and other school leaders were on the other side.“We want choice, hear our voice,” they chanted.Among them were parents...WW…

Gov. Brian Kemp and State School Superintendent Richard Woods joined Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, head of the Georgia Department of Public Health, held a new conference at the state Capitol on Friday, where they reiterated their commitment to in-person school this fall.Although at least four school districts — Cobb, Marietta, Douglas and Rockdale — announced this week the first semester would be all-virtual instruction, Kemp gave no indication that he was ready to make that a statewide mandate.Georgia is considered a hot spot for an increase in positive cases. The state leaders said they are...…Gov. Brian Kemp and State School Superintendent Richard Woods joined Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, head of the Georgia Department of Public Health, held a new conference at the state Capitol on Friday, where they reiterated their commitment to in-person school this fall.Although at least four school districts — Cobb, Marietta, Douglas and Rockdale — announced this week the first semester would be all-virtual instruction, Kemp gave no indication that he was ready to make that a statewide mandate.Georgia is considered a hot spot for an increase in positive cases. The state leaders said they are...WW…

School leaders in Georgia are trying to settle on plans for the fall as pressure mounts to reopen school buildings.Working parents rely on schools to keep their children engaged so they can do their own jobs, and many parents and teachers say remote learning last spring after schools shut down for COVID-19 left learning gaps.Yet with coronavirus infection case numbers on the rise nationally and in Georgia, many are also worried about the risks of infection and school districts are caught in the middle. The added strain of budget cuts and enrollment uncertainty has school systems weighing...…School leaders in Georgia are trying to settle on plans for the fall as pressure mounts to reopen school buildings.Working parents rely on schools to keep their children engaged so they can do their own jobs, and many parents and teachers say remote learning last spring after schools shut down for COVID-19 left learning gaps.Yet with coronavirus infection case numbers on the rise nationally and in Georgia, many are also worried about the risks of infection and school districts are caught in the middle. The added strain of budget cuts and enrollment uncertainty has school systems weighing...WW…