#Jumaane Williams’ plan for reopening schools would keep kids home until October

New York City’s Public Advocate is proposing a radical new plan for reopening schools this fall, in which students would stay home until at least October and classroom instruction would be phased in by age group.

The plan released Monday by Jumaane Williams would begin with all kids learning remotely in September before allowing students under 10  — who are reportedly less likely to spread the virus — to begin classroom instruction in October.

Williams, who consulted health experts, wants to then assess the safety situation at the end of the fall semester before allowing older kids back into their buildings.

Mayor de Blasio had previously proposed a blended learning plan that would have all students alternate between remote and classroom instruction beginning September 10.

While the mayor acknowledged growing push back to his plan, he said his format remains uncharged for the moment.

“Right now our intention is to open on schedule and to open with all grade levels but again with blended learning,” he said Monday.

Hizzoner has cautioned that pandemic variables will make it impossible to render a final call until the days leading up to the new year.

“It would be irresponsible to make a decision in July or August for something that’s going to happen in September,” he said.

But, as of now, parents should “very clearly” expect an on-time resumption of classroom learning, he said.

Both the city teacher and principals unions have voiced discontent with the Department of Education’s preparation and safety precautions.

In addition, several individual schools – including high profile campuses like Stuyvesant High School and New Explorations in Science, Technology and Math – have pushed to adopt full remote learning formats instead of the blended approach.

De Blasio repeated his position that 75 percent of surveyed city parents – including those facing looming work conflicts – want school to start in September.

Interpretations of that Department of Education poll have varied, with United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew arguing that the number is actually 25 percent.

Many schools also face the specter of mass teacher absences at the beginning of the year.

At Stuyvesant, 80 percent of staffers told administrators that they plan to apply for medical exemptions.

The DOE is allowing individual families to opt out of on-site learning next year in favor of total remote learning.