The West Mifflin Area School District will start the 2020-21 school year with remote learning at least for the first nine weeks of the school year.

The remote classes will begin Sept. 8.

The district announced the decision in a news release Wednesday.

The school board is expected to ratify the decision at its Aug. 20 meeting.

“The plan will have our students participate in their classes remotely at least through the first nine weeks,” the release said.

The district will then evaluate the situation after the first nine weeks and continue to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to getting all of our students back in the classroom,” Superintendent Jeffrey Soles stated in the release.

“However, our first concern has to be the safety and health of everyone in order to provide an educational setting that is conducive to learning.”

Mr. Soles added the district will be following the state Department of Health recommendations and monitor the incidence rate and percent positivity of the virus.

The state recently released safety guidelines for schools in high-population counties in an effort to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19.

“We ask for your patience during this difficult time,” Mr. Soles said.

The school district’s administration will soon be holding virtual town hall meetings to allow parents to ask questions and express concerns and to stay informed about what is happening in the district.

The administration is also conducting a survey for parents of elementary students to assess their technology needs during the remote period of the school year.

The town hall meeting dates, when they are available, will be posted on the district’s website, http://​wmasd.org.

Deana Carpenter, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.

First Published: August 13, 2020, 5:42 p.m.