Lexington-Richland School District 5 will transition in-person students from a hybrid schedule to a 4-day in-person instructional schedule. The transition will occur in 3 phases, with 4K-2 grade students attending school 4 days a week beginning on Oct. 5. Students in grades 3-6 will begin attending school 4 days a week on Oct. 19, and students in grades 7-12 will join other grades in attending school 4 days a week beginning on Nov. 9.
Wednesday will continue to be a distance learning day for students who attend school in-person. Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton announced the change during a school Board meeting on Monday. The district's Flexible Innovative Virtual Education (FIVE) virtual program will continue during all in-person learning models.
“I regret that our community is so divided and our emotions are so high, but I don’t regret our compassion and care about the children and I don’t regret my focus on the staff,” Melton said, during the board meeting. “This has been divisive for our community in many ways. All that helps us make sure we are student-centered and staff-supported.”
All 4-year-old preschool programs will return to a full day program on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 3-year-old programs will continue with half day programming, as this is their typical schedule. 
Phases of Reentry: 
· PHASE I - Current Model
SEPT. 8
School District 5 began the school year with a hybrid model for in-person instruction.
· PHASE II - 4K-2 Grades
OCT. 5*
Beginning Oct. 5, in-person students in grades 4K through 2 will attend school 4 days per week.
Grades 3-12 will remain hybrid.
· PHASE III - 3-6 Grades
OCT. 19*
Beginning Oct. 19, in-person students in grades 4K through 6 will attend school 4 days per week. Grades 7-12 will remain hybrid.
· PHASE IV - 7-12 Grades
NOV. 9*
Beginning Nov. 9, in-person students in grades 4K through 12 will attend school 4 days per week.
*NOTE: Schools may utilize a 100% distance learning model during any phase if needed in response to covid-19. Phases and dates can be modified, contingent upon reentry
considerations outlined in the Sept. 28 presentation. A 5-day, in-person model could later be considered, Melton said.
During the Sept. 28 meeting, Lexington-Richland School District Five Board of Trustees also gave Melton high marks for her job performance during the 2019-2020 school year. Melton received an “outstanding” evaluation in a unanimous vote by board members.