SLEEPY EYE — The District 84 school board unanimously approved recommended learning models for the fall start of school Thursday.

Under the formula based on county COVID-19 case numbers, Sleepy Eye Elementary School students will attend school in classrooms each school day beginning Aug. 24.

Students in grades 7-12 will use a hybrid model, motion by board member Casey Coulson, seconded by Brian Nelson.

The hybrid model mandates 50% capacity of school facilities with 6 feet social distancing at all times. Transportation must be at 50% capacity.

“I’m pretty pleased with the plan. It’s well thought out,” said Sleepy Eye Superintendent John Cselovszki.

“A shout out to my cabinet that put plans together as a collaborative effort,” Cselovszki said. “This plan took months to put together.”

“I’m confident we’ve got good guidance from Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz,” Coulson said. “It’s good to have something to go by.”

Cselovszki said students will eat lunches in classrooms. Elementary students will get two 15-minute breaks a day.

Cselovszki said virtual learning from video devices in each classroom will be available for students at home.

He said 74% of parents surveyed on learning options favored going back to school. Staff was more divided with 44% favoring in-school learning, 33% a hybrid option and 23% distance learning.

Several board members said they were eager for students to return to school.

Cselovszki said fall school packets will be mailed to families Friday, July 31.

He added that social distancing signs will be placed on sidewalks and school floors along with arrows to aid anti-COVID-19 guidelines.

Cselovszki said school entrances and exits will be controlled in an effort to keep as many people out of the school as possible.

Up to 76 people at one time watched the board meeting steamed live on Facebook.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.