Melrose Schools Considering Fall Scenarios, Prep For Transition

MELROSE, MA — Melrose Public Schools, like most every other district in America, doesn't know what shape next school year will take. Whether school buildings even reopen is at the mercy of the pandemic.

But the district has been busy and is considering several scenarios, it said in a Wednesday release from the superintendent and School Committee.

"These scenarios fall on a continuum of in-person learning in school buildings with safety precautions to various hybrid situations to fully remote learning," the release reads.

Decisions will be informed by a district-wide family survey later this month.

Assistant Superintendent Margaret Adams is heading a working group on the nuts and bolts of what school will look like for students, parents and staff. The group is looking at how curriculum will be developed, how to support students transitioning back to a learning environment following such an abrupt end to the school year, assessing what technological needs will be, improving special education and much more.

Whatever form back-to-school takes, it'll be under new leadership. Superintendent Cyndy Taymore's retirement is effective June 30. Julie Kukenberger, interim superintendent at Hamilton-Wenham, will take over the next day. The two are meeting on a daily basis.

"While I never could have imagined ending my career in public education during a pandemic, Iam as proud as ever to be part of the Melrose Public Schools team," Taymore said. "Our educators, administrators, support staff, families, and especially our students, have risen to an enormous challenge in an unprecedented emergency."

Related: Kukenberger Pulling Double Duty In Trying Times

The district also said all the school buildings have been assessed for potential structural updates and have had personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene and other safety needs assessed in the case that at least some students and staff return in the fall.

The district is also continuing to provide free online professional development opportunities to aid students and staff.