POLAND — Plans for the upcoming school year were set Monday by the board of education, giving parents two choices for student learning now: traditional or remote.

The goal is to have a seamless transition to in-classroom learning in nine weeks.

The majority of parents indicated in a survey that they would like their students to be back in the schools, said David Janofa, superintendent.

There are about 1,720 students in the district.

In what Janofa termed an “abridged schedule,” six-hour instructional times will be allotted for in-person learning.

Students doing remote learning also will follow a routine with the intent of going back to school after the first nine weeks, Janofa said. Students and parents at home are expected to start working on establishing a routine, such as including wearing a mask throughout the day, he added.

Teachers in each building will be able to “remote in” daily with students at home.

“Our hopes, our desires and our expectations are that they have connection with the students who are choosing to stay home on a daily basis,” Janofa said.

School nurses and counselors also will have scheduled time to be available for remote students.

After the first nine weeks, Janofa said the goal is for students to go back to a classroom setting in a “smooth and seamless” transition.

Asked why there’s not a hybrid option available, Janofa said decisions were based on data, but if a significant change occurs, board members will be able to amend the re-entry plan.

Survey results were as recent as Aug. 3, with 83 percent indicating in-person instruction.

Board President Gregg Riddle said extensive communication among board members, Janofa, and others in the district took place through the summer.

“It comes to a point where you have to make some kind of decision,” Riddle said.

“This community pays these teachers almost a $19 million payroll,” he said, leaving parents wanting to see their kids back in school with their teachers. “That’s why we chose not to give… a third option,” Riddle said.

Another survey will be conducted in the near future, Janofa said.

The Poland Local Schools Reopening Plan can be found on the district’s website, polandbulldogs.com.