The Danbury Board of Education has received an update on the opening of a new school year later this month.  There are some decision that are out of local district's hands, like whether or not face masks will be required for students and staff.  But Interim Superintendent Kevin Walston says all school buildings will be reopening for the district's roughly 12,000 students. 

To prepare for the new academic year, Danbury has hired 120 certified staff members 18 non-certified staff members.  About 3,000 desks have also been ordered and are being delivered in phases. 

The district is renting the former St Joseph's Catholic school in Brookfield.  The Danbury Primary Center will house 11 sections of kindergarten students.Over half a million dollars in furniture has been ordered so students can be at least three feet apart, meeting the CDC recommendation.  In order to reduce classes at Danbury High School, students will have an eight-period day. 

King Street has reached capacity in kindergarten.  Any new enrolled kindergartner will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine which school they will attend. 

About 47 percent of Danbury residents 12 to 18 have been vaccinated. Beginning Monday, vaccine clinics will be held at five schools for students 12 and over, and anyone in the community. Two clinics will be held at each of the selected schools, spaced 21 days a part for patients to get their first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Danbury is averaging about three new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people daily over 14 days.