Rutherford County Schools is researching back-to-school plans and asking for parents' input.

Spokesman James Evans says they're asking for parent input before making final decisions:

The first day of school is currently Friday, August 7th and according to the survey, the goal is to reopen and return to a normal schedule as soon as possible:

The survey asks parents their thoughts on a few contingency plans based on recommendations from health officials.

One option would be to reopen school buildings for in-person classes from day one. There would be modifications. At a minimum, the survey said, would be:

• Grade levels and classrooms maintaining distancing as much as possible.
• Minimize contact with other classrooms and grade levels by having some special area teachers travel to classrooms instead of having students move.
• Students would practice social distancing during meal times, which may include eating in their classrooms.
• A quarantine area, monitored by an adult, for students presenting symptoms until they can be picked up by an authorized individual.
• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.

Option two in the survey could be schools resume on a phased-in schedule, where students would be assigned to an A Group or a B Group and then alternate which days they attend school in-person. A Group could go Monday and Wednesday with B Group on Tuesday and Thursday. Students would attend school virtually on the other days. The survey indicated this would only be a temporary arrangement as a way to phase-in school reopening.

The third option could be school being held completely virtually for the first few weeks, using a new online learning platform the system has in place. The survey indicated this would only be a temporary arrangement as a way to phase-in school reopening.

The survey for Rutherford County School parents again is online at www.RCSchools.net.