Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney announced Thursday that classes will begin Aug. 17 entirely online to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

“Obviously this decision comes with a heavy heart,” Looney said. “I fervently believe students learn best when in front of their teacher.”

Cobb County Schools announced the same minutes before Looney did Thursday. Cobb posted from the district’s social media account: “Our district will be moving to full remote to begin the 2020-2021 school year. This decision is motivated by a commitment to keep our students and staff healthy and safe.”

Looney said his re-opening strategy has always been based on the numbers of community spread. “Unfortunately, that data continues to move in the wrong direction,” Looney said.

On June 29, the Fulton school board delayed the start of classes one week, from Aug. 10 to Aug. 17.

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