The back-to-school plan released by the province is giving schools boards in Windsor-Essex a measure of clarity.
Greater Essex County District School Board Director of Education, Erin Kelly, sees the plan as much needed guidance as the board looks to firm up its own protocols for the return of class.
The provincial plan announced Thursday will see elementary school students return five days a week while secondary students will see the classroom for at least 50 per cent of required instructional days.
The province also says that Grade 4 to 12 students will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks while kindergarten to grade 3 students will be encouraged but not required to wear masks.
Kelly says the mandatory mask policy for those in grades 4 through 12 is an important measure.
"At least we have some guidelines and information also with respect to the wearing of masks for students," she says.
The government also announced $309 million in funding to make the plan work, including $60 million for personal protective equipment and $80 million for extra staffing.
Parents will also have the option to keep their kids out of class, and boards must provide options for remote learning.
Kelly appreciate parents are in a difficult position and expects to have a more detailed plan available at the next trustee meeting.
"We will be hearing from parents, we continue to hear from parents, everyone is concerned and of course in the Windsor-Essex community we have a little higher incidents so, that is I'm sure top of mind to people but, we will do our best to communicate," she says.
Kelly is also interested in the Ford government's promise to hire 500 public health nurses to help assist in a safe return to school.
She says plexiglass, directional arrows and spacing plans are being worked out for the planned return of classes.
"It has been probably the busiest time of my life. We will get through this. We were glad to get some direction today and I know that people will work together to make this come together for our students, and our families, and our staff," adds Kelly.
Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board will meet on August 11.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board will review its re-start plan on Tuesday following the province's back-to-school announcement.
In a statement, the board says it is pleased the ministry has provided more guidance on how to safely reopen schools.
The senior administrative team has been in contact with ministry officials and a review of its plan has been completed.
Trustees will meet on August 4 to publicly review the plan before communicating a final version to staff, students and parents.
With files from Rob Hindi