Minnesota State Wire

Minnesota public school districts are allowed to plan for in-person learning, according to a school plan released by Gov. Tim Walz. 

Under the plan, schools have to follow strict guidelines, according to a press release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. The Department of Health will also be watching every district and the COVID-19 data to ensure it is safe for students to remain at school. 

But the plan isn't solely for in-person learning. It includes a hybrid method as well, which is both in-person and online learning, and it includes the option for parents to opt-out of in-person learning altogether. 

The plan also gives the governor the power to mandate online learning for any district with spikes in coronavirus cases as well, according to the press release. 

“At first glance, the local control of school plans is great news and is what we asked for,” Sen. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) said in the press release. “My concern is that this plan is not as flexible as it first appears. There is an inordinate amount of confusing criteria that public schools must balance in the upcoming year. Ultimately, statewide or individual closure still comes down to the education commissioner and the governor.”