ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — During Rochester City School District Board of Education meeting on Thursday evening, Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small revealed new details about the district’s plans to ease into a hybrid learning model.

The three phased approach would bring students into the classroom based on grade level, and the area’s COVID-19 infection rate. The Superintendent said this plan is fluid and will be changed as needed.

“We are ready to open on January 4th and then whenever we can move forward in February or during the third quarter, we have enough supplies,” said Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small.

Phase one would begin on January 4, with students in kindergarten through 12th grade specialized programs moving to a hybrid learning model at their home schools. All other pre-K through 12th grade students would continue with remote learning at that point.

Phase two would bring pre-K through 6th grade general education and special education students into the hybrid model. General education students in grades 7th through 12th would continue with remote learning. Students in specialized programs impacted by the phase one changes would continue with hybrid learning. Myers-Small said phase two could begin as early as February.

Phase three would bring the remaining students in grades 7th through 12th to the hybrid learning model.

A fully-remote option would be available throughout.

“We really are ready to move forward and I really appreciate the great the collaborative nature and relationship that I have with the physicians. I’ve have many conversations and I feel comfortable moving in this direction,” said Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small.

Myers-Small says the exact timeline for phases two and three depends on a number of factors, including testing capacity and contact tracing capabilities. She says the district will also need to review staffing needs, funding, and the state monitor’s recommendations before the timeline can be implemented.

“We first and foremost need to know the number of students that are going to elect hybrid. That then corresponds to the staff that we’ll need, the education delivery model and the particular schedule. We need to hire some additional staffing back. So we need to make sure that all those things and more that I mentioned are aligned,” said Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small.

The RCSD Board of Education passed the proposal in a 4-2 vote Thursday night. Board Vice President Cynthia Elliot and Commissioner Willa Powell voted against the plan. Commissioner Beatriz LeBron was absent.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.