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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester School District’s plan to hold mini commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 has run into a major snag.

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Michael Munoz says the guidance for graduation ceremonies during the coronavirus pandemic that was distributed by the Minnesota Department of Education this morning suggests the school district’s plans will not work. Munoz says Olmsted County Public Health had signed off on the Rochester School District plan and he is now reaching out to State Health Department officials for further guidance.

The school district’s plan called for bringing graduating seniors together in groups of 20 to 30 at the community’s three public high schools to hear their names read and receive their diplomas. The graduates would only be allowed to have two guests, which would leave enough space for social distancing throughout the high school gymnasiums.

Munoz says the mini-commencements would take place over several days at each of the schools and the facilities would undergo a thorough cleaning between each event. All of the ceremonies would be recorded and combined in a graduation video to be shared with family and friends unable to attend in person.

If it’s decided the school district plan is not acceptable to state officials, Munoz says the schools and district administration will develop a new plan that will likely involve some sort of virtual graduation ceremony.

The Superintendent discussed the situation during the Rochester Today Show this morning on News-Talks 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM.  Listen to what he had to say by clicking the play button below.

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