Mayor Bill de Blasio says NYC schools can use empty streets and parks for classrooms as part of a new outdoor learning plan

• In a daily briefing on Monday morning, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an outdoor learning plan.
• Schools are urged to use outdoor spaces, like parks and empty streets, as classrooms when schools reopen in September.
• Principals can submit their plans for outdoor learning by Friday.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that schools should use outdoor spaces as classrooms this fall.

De Blasio pointed to schoolyards, empty streets, and public parks as adequate spaces for classrooms in public, charter, religious, and private schools.

"We want to give schools the option to do as much outdoors as they can," de Blasio said. "Starting today, we empower our principals to determine the maximum amount they can do outdoors."

The city is prioritizing 27 schools and neighborhoods that have been the hardest hit by the coronavirus. De Blasio also added that they will also focus on schools that don't have their own outdoor space.

New York City's schools are scheduled to reopen next month, and principals will be in charge of the outdoor classroom designs. The mayor said schools will not be required to have outdoor classrooms.

"It's up to them to figure out how to use schoolyards and anything on school property that's outdoors," de Blasio said. The Department of Education will also work with principals who request additional space, like public parks and streets.

Principals are expected to submit their plans this Friday for approval on September 4. The mayor added that the start date for this school year is still scheduled for September 10.

Although de Blasio said the city is willing to financially support schools with creating outdoor spaces, he didn't specify a dollar amount.

"I don't think the costs are particularly extensive," de Blasio said.

"Principals have a lot of experience with different types of outdoor activities," he continued. "This is not something that's mysterious to them. They're very resourceful. I think they'll be able to do a lot."

Chancellor Richard Carranza pointed to affluent PTAs sharing funds with schools that may not have the same fundraising capabilities.

"I'm encouraging PTAs, let's help each other. Let's help a sister school as you do what you're doing for your school as well," he said.

Schools will also need to have a fallback plan for when the weather isn't suitable for teaching outdoors.

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