It’s August in Oklahoma. Families would ordinarily be buying school clothes and supplies, getting their children ready to head back to school. But there is nothing ordinary about 2020.
Oklahoma has no statewide mandate regarding schools. Across the state, school districts, charter schools, and private schools are making decisions – even as of this writing – as to whether and how to start the school year. Some schools have moved up their start date while others have pushed it back. Some schools will have in-person instruction five days a week, while others will have students in-person only on certain days, and others will have distance learning exclusively. Even for schools offering in-person instruction, many have suspended their afterschool care programs. And, of course, every parent has been told there could be changes.
While this is an extraordinary challenge and disruption for the parents and children of Oklahoma, it is likewise a challenge and disruption for Oklahoma employers. No article can address all of the scenarios Oklahoma families will face as they navigate these issues, but we wanted to touch upon the topic in hopes of preparing employers. Continue reading
