As deadline looms, Massachusetts school districts lean toward hybrid, remote learning

It's crunch time for school districts in Massachusetts.

An Aug. 10 deadline looms to finalize plans for the start of the school year.

School leaders across Bristol County are anticipating changes to their learning models throughout the entire school year.

On Tuesday, the Mansfield School Committee voted to tentatively start the school year with remote learning, with a goal of moving to a hybrid model by Oct. 16.

In North Attleborough, Superintendent Scott Holcomb said his school district is leaning towards a hybrid model, with most students in the building for two days, and three days at home.

Holcomb said a survey sent to families revealed 85% of parents favored a hybrid or full in-person model, and 15% favored remote learning.

State school officials continue to update guidance every few days.

The latest recommendations explain in how science and lab work should be conducted in school and remotely.

While school leaders are navigating through difficult decisions, parents say they're concerned about juggling different schedules.

"I think the kids should be in school as much as is reasonably safe to do. That looks to me like it's probably a hybrid model," said Matt Cressy of Mansfield. "The biggest concern is this is new for everybody."

Despite the differing plans for each district across the Commonwealth, parents can choose to keep their child at home learning remotely.