OLYMPIA, Wash. – Schools across the state are beginning to reopen for the year and many changes are in store for both students and staff.
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal tells KOMO News that having all students back in classrooms brings challenges.
“We’ve got a lot of safety protocols in place, the strictest in the country, the masking requirements, the vaccine requirements,” says Reykdal. “So, we’re trying to create the safest environment we can anywhere in the United States. But I keep saying to folks, do be prepared that we will have cases. There will be an outbreak.”
He says 75% of teachers have been fully vaccinated so far and the number is expected to increase ahead of the October 18th deadline.
Many local schools began the new year yesterday and others return today.
Bellingham’s Superintendent sent a message to families welcoming them back.
The Transportation Department says one glitch was some middle school buses that were late because of traffic congestion around schools.