Arizona school reopening decisions are still ongoing. On July 23rd, Governor Ducey released Executive Order 2020-51. The order states that:

• The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will release public health benchmarks by August 7, 2020, for school districts and charter schools to consider when determining school reopening dates for in-person learning. 
• All school districts and charter schools must begin teacher-led distance learning by the first day of their traditional instructional calendar.  
• All school districts and charters must develop policies to require face coverings for all staff and students over the age of 5. Exceptions include when students can physically distance or are outside on the playground and distanced. Students should also be allowed to take breaks from wearing their face coverings as long as the environment is safe to do so. Cloth face coverings should not be worn by anyone under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing or is incapcitated.
• Arizona public schools may pay employees during school closures if they occur and certain conditions are met.
• Schools are required to provide “free-onsite learning opportunities and support services” by August 17, 2020, for students who need a place to go during the school day. This may include student supervision or distance-learning support. 
• An FAQ on the following executive orders: 2020-51, 2020-41, and 2020-44 is available here.

For information about each county’s governmental, COVID-19, and education responses, please use the links below:

Arizona Department of Education Website