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The Bogalusa City School Board met Thursday and decided to delay the start of its 2020-21 school year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Lisa Tanner said that the city schools would begin their academic year on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will continue through June 11, 2021.

Typically, BCS (Bogalusa City Schools) begins its school year in August.

Tanner noted that schools are required to provide quality education for “360 minutes a day,” and therefore additional days have been added to the calendar. The Washington Parish Free Fair and Mardi Gras extended holidays have also been omitted.

The full calendar is available online at the BCS website, www.bogalusaschools.org.

Tanner noted that “Virtual School” applications are still being processed through this Friday. The schools will be setting up times for parents to come in, with their children, in small groups prior to the beginning of the school year, to teach each family how to log on, view lessons, and upload items.

Teachers will be returning to work the week of Aug. 24, Tanner said.

“We continue to work diligently to prepare for the upcoming year, and we know that school will not be like it has ever been before,” she said. “But we will do our very best to provide quality education whether your child/family has chosen virtual or face-to-face options for learning. Thank you in advance for your patience, as we move forward during this unprecedented time.”

Tanner suggested that any parents who have questions can call their children’s schools, or send an email in the email hotline on the website.

“We will call you back or email you the answer to your question,” she said. “Thank you again, and hope to see you soon.”