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The Dallas County Board of Education virtually held a special called meeting Tuesday evening in which they voted to push back the start date for Dallas County Schools and to forgo middle school football for the fall 2020 season.

Students across all 11 of the district’s schools were scheduled to begin the year of learning, either in person or virtually, on August 10.
Dallas County Schools Superintendent Hattie Shelton recommended to the board that the date be moved forward to September 8.
Shelton cited difficulties installing hot water heaters at schools as well as providing connecting students with internet for virtual learning as the two reason for pushing back the start date.

“I know a lot of people are requesting remote and virtual learning for thier students so we want to make sure we’ve got everything we can to get that done,” she said.

Shelton added that many of the providers the school system has reached out to have had trouble providing connectivity.
“We’re out there testing things to make sure that when we spend money, it works,” she said.

Shelton said that this delayed start date will not change the way in which Dallas County Schools reopen.

The Superintendent said students will still have the option to return to schools for face-to-face learning or partake in virtual learning depending upon their parent’s decision.

After the board voted on a new start date, Shelton proposed the board vote to forgo middle school football for the fall 2020 season, citing concerns from parents and coaches.

“When it comes to our middle school parents, they do not seem to be willing to let their boys play football,” said Shelton.
Citing information collected from Martin Middle School, Shelton said only a few parents had allowed their children to play this fall.

Shelton also said a number of coaches and principals wondered how players would get to practice if they were participating in virtual learning and not on a school campus during the day.

At Tipton-Durant Middle School, only one of 19 players received parental permission to play football this fall.

While the board voted to cancel the middle school season, the high school football season is still scheduled to continue.