CLEVELAND — In-person learning will resume Monday in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Superintendent Eric Gordon announced Thursday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland schools were in virtual learning from Jan. 4-7 due to the spread of COVID-19

  • The district plans on resuming in-person learning Jan. 10

  • The district’s superintendent said cases within the district and city are dropping

  • The announcement comes as the White House is urging school districts to remain open despite the increased spread of the omicron variant

Gordon cited a reduction in COVID-19 cases within the district and city coupled with eased quarantine guidance for the decision to resume in-person learning. Masks will continue to be required in school buildings. 

“As we return, it is critically important that every student, staff member and guest in a CMSD building wears his or her mask,” Gordon said. “It is also important to complete a self-check for any flu-like symptoms and to stay home if you are sick. In addition, I strongly encourage students and staff to take advantage of the free, voluntary weekly COVID testing being implemented in schools across the district as another way to identify and stop COVID cases quickly. See your school’s health professional for more information about this free weekly testing.”

The district last week announced no in-person classes from Jan. 4-7. 

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden said despite the increased transmissibility of the omicron variant, schools should remain open. 

“Look, we have no reason to think at this point that omicron is worse for children than previous variants,” Biden said. “We know that our kids can be safe when in school, by the way. That’s why I believe schools should remain open.”

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients echoed the president’s sentiments on Wednesday. 

“So, we have the tools,” Zients said. “We know how to keep our kids safe in school.  About 96% of schools are open.  Parents want schools open.  And experts are clear that in-person learning is best for kids’ physical and mental health and for their education.”

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