Gilbertsville-Mount Upton will begin the 2020-2021 school year September 14 with a virtual-only learning model for all students, Superintendent Annette Hammond announced Wednesday.

The decision to open with a virtual-only model follows the recommendation of Otsego County Health Department Director Heidi Bond, who met with Otsego County superintendents Tuesday to discuss the recent outbreak of COVID-19 at nearby SUNY Oneonta.

“The Department of Health in Otsego County has requested this as part of its efforts to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Oneonta area,” Hammond said. “We all have many concerns about this pandemic, but the one thing I can assure you of is that we have been preparing for this and we are ready.”

GMU had planned to open school September 14 with a blended model of virtual and in-person instruction. School will still start on September 14, but in a virtual-only model.

Hammond said virtual-only instruction at GMU will continue through September 23, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated. No students may attend school in person from September 14-23, including those who participate in BOCES programs.

For more information about GMU’s School Reopening plans, visit https://www.gmucsd.org/SchoolReopening2020-2021.aspx online.