ASHLAND, Ore. — With many local districts already pushing forward into a return to in-person learning, Ashland Public Schools announced on Monday that it will do the same beginning in early March.

School administrators said that there has been strong interest from Kindergarten through 5th grade parents in expanding in-person learning, prompting the coming transition to a hybrid model. The preliminary plan is for grades K-2 to begin on March 1, followed by grades 3-5 on March 8 "as capacity allows."

"Our initial review of early family feedback indicates a range of interests," Superintendent Samuel Bogdanove said in a message to families last week. "A number of parents indicated an interest in increased time on site. We heard you! We are reviewing all of the family input and may adjust the hybrid option based on that interest."

The Ashland School Board also passed a resolution on January 25, resolving to reopen schools "as soon as possible as safely as possible."

Ashland Public Schools plans to hold two community Zoom sessions scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, to go over the revised hybrid model. The first, English language session is scheduled from 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by a Spanish language session from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Ashland's hybrid model will alternate online learning with on-site classes based on a weekly schedule.

"Administrators at the middle school and high school are moving forward with plans to resumt in-person instruction with a hybrid model after spring break," the District said. "Surveys will be going out to families this week and feedback sessions will be scheduled as plans are finalized."

The target date for higher grades to return is roughly March 29, though it remains subject to change.