Clayton County schools may open virtually, but in-person education is the goal

Clayton County Schools Superintendent Morcease Beasley said schools may begin virtually, but he wants students to eventually attend class in person.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Clayton County Schools Superintendent Morcease Beasley said schools may begin virtually, but he wants students to eventually attend class in person.

Though most parents and staff have signaled a preference for virtual education in the 2020-2021 school year, Clayton County Superintendent Morcease Beasley said Monday he hopes students will eventually be able to have in-class instruction.

The district leader said having in-class instruction would track with expectations from Gov. Brian Kemp and President Trump.

“While we may start virtually, our goal is face-to-face ASAP,” Beasley said in a tweet early Monday.

Beasley announced last week that the district was leaning toward a virtual-only school day when school begins in early August.

The Clayton Board of Education will meet Monday to decide whether to open Aug. 3 as planned, or move that date back a week to give teachers and staff time to prepare for a virtual program.