The state’s second-largest school district won’t start the academic year with kids in classrooms, while the St. Cloud superintendent is recommending a hybrid plan this fall.

Citing the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community and a survey of district families, the St. Paul school board opted Wednesday for distance learning to start the year Sept. 8. St. Paul joins Minneapolis in keeping kids at home for the start of school this year. 

This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday, August 6, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.