Lexington County children will return to school next week.

Many have already. SC Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey who represents Lexington County said all school districts must:

• Offer 5-day, in-person instruction no later than April 12 and for the entire 2021-2022 school year.

• Create a temporary, 3-year program to allow teachers retired at least 2 years to return at up to $50,000 a year while collecting state retirement benefits.

• Bars requiring teachers to do double-duty next year in teaching in person and online.

Many districts plan to offer an online-only option.

The resolution now goes to the House of Representatives.

“I think there is significant support across party lines,” Massey said of the unanimous vote.

“All of us have seen or heard from constituents about the insufficiency of long-term online learning for children.”

Some teachers and other school employees were hesitant about returning but they became eligible for vaccination March 8.