Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday that schools will have the option of using distance learning or a hybrid of in-school instruction and remote learning for summer school this year.
With his declaration came an acknowledgment that many students have not been thriving under the remote approach.
"By slowly turning the dial for school settings this summer, we can better serve Minnesota's students and families, and provide more opportunities for the in-person learning and social interactions that are critical for learning," he said in a statement.
Walz made the move by executive order, and it came a day after the governor announced that many small businesses and retailers could begin opening their doors to customers on Monday.
St. Paul Public Schools, the state's second-largest district, said it already planned to cancel all programming for students in preschool through grade eight — summer camps included — and to use distance learning only for high school students who need to make up credits or hone their English language skills.
About 17,000 students have attended summer school in recent years, Superintendent Joe Gothard said this month.
On Thursday, however, Kevin Burns, a district spokesman, said it was possible Walz's order could spur a change in plans.
"We absolutely want to keep an open mind to other opportunities based on the guidelines," he said.
