Pullman students to start school year at home

PULLMAN — The School Board just voted to keep campuses closed to start the school year.

The action at tonight's meeting, Aug. 12, follows a recommendation from the Whitman County Health Department, which cited increasing coronavirus cases.

If cases decrease in the near future, the district will likely consider a "rolling start" to reopening classes one or two grades at a time, officials said, noting they need a "fluid" plan to be able to adjust as conditions change.

Other area school boards have yet to officially decide reopening plans.

To the west in Washtucna, which is located in a more restrictive Phase 2 county, Adams, classes are set to beging Aug. 30 with students back on campus. Kahlotus, which is in Franklin County — still in Phase 1 — students will return to campus as well.

To the north in Spokane County, Cheney and Medical Lake schools will reopening with students remaining at home.