BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Schools are beginning to get a glimpse of what it could look like when they reopen.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will release the California Department of Education’s (CDE) guidance document, “Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safe Reopening of California’s Public Schools,” on Monday. This guidance will serve as a road map of recommendations for schools as they work with their local public health officials and school communities to navigate next steps.

In CDE’s guidance, educational leaders will find recommendations for face coverings, physical distancing, and symptom screening should schools plan to provide some form of in-person instruction and distance learning. The document will also provide in-depth considerations for designing high-quality and equitable instructional practices for all students.

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools said it has created a local task force to help create plans for local school districts. The task force is made up of representatives from 26 school districts throughout the county.

KCSOS said this new guidance from the state will be helpful as Kern County school districts look to finalize their plans over the summer.

One of the practices the task force is suggesting that school districts engage with stake holders, parents and staff on the best ways to reopen campuses. One way districts are doing that is through surveys.

KCSOS said the approach to reopen may not look the same for every school district. For example, what might work for a rural district may not meet the same needs as a city district. It will be up to each district and their board of trustees to implement the best practices.