Kingsport City Schools to start 2020-21 academic year virtually

The Kingsport City School Board has approved its 2020-21 Operating Framework for reopening schools.

The Board of Education voted 3-2 on Monday night to narrowly approve the original plan, which was one of three options proposed to the board, another of which included a staggered in-person reopening approach.

Based on the original framework presented to families last month, all students will start virtually for the academic year as current metrics have Sullivan County in the red, which is 11 or more new average COVID-19 cases in the county per 100,000 people over the last 14 days.

Online learning will remain in place until average cases decrease to the health metrics outlined in the yellow zone, which could allow for a return to in-person classes. Classes begin Aug. 10, and the board is expected to further discuss the reopening schools plan at its meeting in Sept.

Photo Courtesy: Kingsport City Schools