Arizona Department of Education

Kathy Hoffman in June 2019.

Arizona brick and mortar K-12 schools are set to reopen on Aug. 17 at the earliest under a June executive by Gov. Doug Ducey, but state superintendent of public instruction isn't feeling confident about that target given the state's current COVID-19 situation. 

Kathy Hoffman said at a Wednesday press conference that she and Ducey are in the process of re-evaluating the date right now with consultation from Dr. Cara Christ and the Arizona Department of Health Services. 

“At this time, I am not optimistic that Arizona will be ready to open for in-person instruction on Aug. 17," Hoffman said.  

She predicts an announcement on the plan for schools moving forward will be made in the near future, but says nothing has been decided as of yet.

The executive order allows Arizona schools to beginning their school year before that date through distance learning. Several districts have announced that they will do so, and some are choosing to continue conducting classes remotely through September or later.