Health District: Connell, Pasco schools should prepare for reopening

PASCO — Benton-Franklin Health District Officer Dr. Amy Person on Monday sent letters to area school districts recommending they prepare for partially reopening campuses.

In a press release issued by the health district, Person suggested the North Franklin School District could open Connell campuses for a "hybrid" education as early as Oct. 1.

She also said Pasco and other schools in the county may be able to open campuses as early as Oct. 15.

However, the Kahlotus School District has already been open and operating in the county.

Because Franklin County remains in a modified Phase 1 for reopening in the wake of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, Person previously told Franklin County School Districts she would not recommend they reopen campuses.

The state Constitution, however, gives sole discretion on education and the opening or closing of campuses to local school boards.