In a post on Twitter, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman says the state is not yet equipped to begin in-person learning by August 17.
"I want to make clear that Arizona is not currently in a place to resume traditional in-person instruction or hybrid learning models. Every indicator shows that there is high community spread across the state," Hoffman said in a statement.
My statement regarding upcoming public health metrics and reopening school facilities: pic.twitter.com/wLJ55iGm8P
— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) August 4, 2020
In the statement, Hoffman says the Arizona Department of Health Services will release public health metrics later this week that will guide school leaders in their decisions on how and when schools can resume in-person learning.
Hoffman says school leaders, teachers and families should prepare to not begin schools by August 17, as it is "unlikely" to reopen safely.
"Our state is simply not ready to have all our students and educators congregate in school facilities," the statement goes on to say.
She also says people should not expect or ask Arizona students and teachers to return to school facilities until the spread of coronavirus has been slowed in our state.
Though the metrics that will be provided later this week will not be mandated, Hoffman says schools should "prepare to be held accountable by teachers, parents, and families to make evidence-based decisions."