Hite says plan to change school start times will ‘evolve’ with community feedback

School District of Philadelphia officials said the district will take a “multi-layered” safety approach this school year.

Masks will now be optional for students and staff, except those in pre-K Head Start programs.

Starting March 14, the district will no longer require vaccinated staff members to get tested. Testing for unvaccinated staff will drop from twice a week to once a week.