Citing the rise in COVID-19 infections in Erie County, Roberts recommended Sunday that all students instead learn virtually until Jan. 18.
"My recommendation is that we consider sticking to our plan to increase face-to-face learning K-12 but that we delay the dates in light of current Pennsylvania Department of Education data and Erie County Department of Health input and the voices of our teachers, staff and parents," Roberts said.
There is still "substantial spread" of the coronavirus in Erie County, according to the Erie County Department of Health.
The district has received about 55 letters from teachers and staff concerned about returning to face-to-face learning, Roberts said.