Press conference highlights:

• McMaster said districts should consider pushing the start date for schools back to September 8th
• School Districts must give parents the option of face-to-face instruction
• All schools to submit their plans for reopening by this Friday, July 17
• The state has $216 million in federal emergency funding to put in place their plans.

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Virtual Learning is Challenging in Rural Areas of South Carolina

“We can’t restrict learning by forcing students to take place virtually when they can’t,” McMaster said, while also acknowledging that they’re trying to expand internet options in rural areas.

Greenville County Schools Offer Updates via Facebook Live & New 2020 School Roadmap

South Carolina Education Superintendent Molly Spearman issued the following statement:

“Every South Carolina parent must be afforded the option to choose virtual learning or a face to face model for their child this school year,” Spearman said. ” The pandemic has shown the vital importance of our public education system and the broad range of services beyond teaching it provides for our students every day. Our goal must be a return to five day a week in person instruction as safely and as soon as possible.”

“We cannot, however turn a blind eye to the health and safety of our students and staff when the spread of the virus in some of our communities is among the highest in the world. School leaders, in consultation with public health experts, are best positioned to determine how in-person operations should be carried out to fit the needs of their local communities. I remain committed to supporting them in this endeavor and will only approve those plans that offer high quality options and keep safety as their top priority.”