Poughkeepsie schools will open the 2020-21 year with remote learning.

Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Rosser said in a statement Wednesday that remote instruction would begin September 10. He noted that almost 58 percent of parents in the district who responded to a reopening survey said they preferred remote instruction for now.

“This was not an easy decision to make, but please know that it was made with the best interest of all our students, teachers, staff and parents in mind,” Rosser said in the statement.

Chromebooks, instruments, and other supplies will be distributed, according to the superintendent, and 13 locations would be set throughout the city for free breakfasts and lunches for students.

The district, Rosser said, will “continue to evaluate the readiness” of in-person learning, with an update for parents scheduled for October 1.