WATCH: Moberly School District assistant superintendent talks reopening, health precautions

MOBERLY, Mo. (KMIZ)

As the Moberly School District gears up for the return to classes for the 2020-21 school year, the assistant superintendent is outlining the district's return plans.

Assistant superintendent Dustin Fanning joined ABC 17 News This Morning on Tuesday to talk about the district's plans to get students back in the classroom safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have been working since about May to develop plans to make sure that we keep people safe," Fanning said. "Ultimately we just want to get our students back in school and we look forward to working with them again."

Fanning said families have two options for the school year. They can choose traditional, in-person learning or an online option called "Moberly Online." Families have until Aug. 20 to make their decision on the district's website.

For students who go back to in-person learning, Fanning said the district is taking several safety precautions to help limit the spread of novel coronavirus including social distancing when possible, increased cleaning of high touch areas and temperature screenings when students get to school.

"The big thing we want to emphasize is that if staff or students are ill, they need to contact their health care provider and contact the school and stay at home," Fanning said.