WATCH: Fulton Public Schools superintendent talks student return

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

As Fulton Public Schools gears up for the return to classes on Aug. 26, the district's superintendent is talking about the plan to get students back in the classroom safely.

Superintendent Dr. Ty Crain joined ABC 17 News This Morning Friday to talk about options for families for the upcoming school year.

"We have our traditional in-person option where students will be able to attend school and then we also offer a full virtual option for our students and families if they so choose," he said.

Crain said roughly 300 students have chosen virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year, so the district has been able to spread classroom furniture out for social distancing. He added that 3rd through 12th graders will be required to wear masks if social distancing is not possible and there are plastic dividers in areas that desks and tables couldn't be spread apart.

Fulton Public Schools is also adding extra cleaning practices to help keep students, staff and their families safe. Crain said there will be hand sanitizer available at different spots around the school and water fountains have been replaced with water bottle fillers. He said custodial staff will also be using disinfectant foggers in the evenings and cleaning high touch areas more often.

"We're just trying to do everything that we can to make sure students are as safe as possible," Crain said.

Crain said maintaining social distancing will be the key to help keep students and families safe for the school year.