Changes are coming to the Washoe County School District, as it plans for the 2020-2021 school year amid COVID-19.
District officials say they are hoping to finalize reopening plans by July 7, but another meeting with the Board of Trustees is scheduled for July 21 if more time is needed.
On Tuesday, the school district's board of trustees heard ideas that outline what is referred to as a "blended learning model." The blended learning model suggests different opportunities for students and staff surrounding both virtual and in-classroom learning.
Parents may also have the option of choosing a full-time distance education programming for students. The program would be through NorthStar Academy, for grades K-12, as well as site-based programming, which including Edgenuity, for students in grades 6-12.
District officials say within the school setting social distancing measures would be put in place, which may result in fewer students per learning space at any single time. An average classroom could hold about 20 students, but would not allow more than 50 percent of room occupancy. Desks would also be spaced six feet apart.
The school district also discussed various health and safety measures in regards to hygiene, screening, and social distancing in common areas.
District may use visual cues within the building emphasizing on sanitation and also cues that implement social distancing measures, similar to most retail stores. WCSD is working on ways to monitor hallway traffic and entrance/exit paths. Daily screening protocols, either self or district performed, for students and staff is still being looked over as well.
Transportation was a big topic of concern for trustees. Officials say a standard 84 seat school bus would not realistically meet current standards and precautions. Officials say 10 students would be allowed on a bus to follow current social distancing guidelines, with extended delivery times up to three hours. WCSD might consider other options that are being used in other parts of the country. However other models would not meet current standards and WCSD says waivers would have to be signed.
Among many other ideas, WCSD is also looking into changing the Academic Calendar. That means school could start at a later date to give teachers and staff an opportunity to settle in. Typically, staff would only have one day, but that could change so they can take time to learn and train on new protocols. An option presented was a start date of August 10, and school could be open on August 17 for students. Different start and end times was also suggested to support the blended learning model. Instructional days could go from 180 days to 170.
The absence policy was also brought up. Officials say if schools were to reopen, a student would not be penalized if they were required to quarantine, and they will be provided distance learning options. WCSD wants to make it clear that it has always encouraged parents to keep students that are sick at home.
Among other things the school district's COVID-19 Taskforce has to consider facility use during elections, mask requirements within school buildings, what the scope of work looks like for teachers, equity in regards to access to computers or technology if distance learning were to continue, and building plans without current knowledge of the budget.
With many ideas still up in air, at the end of Tuesday's meeting, trustees unanimously decided to have the superintendent and staff continue developing options for reopening. According to the motion made by trustee Scott Kelly, all options would be based on directives and guidance from the Federal Government, State Government, Washoe County Health District and discussion provided from the Washoe County School Board. Options must ensure the health and safety of students, staff, families, and visitors to district buildings and facilities.
Margaret Allen, WCSD's Director of Student Health and Services said, "I definitely think we need to be thoughtful about the decision and not just give a blanket, "no we're not doing this." We are to look at what's happening currently with the virus and in the community and in our schools."
You can see the full WCSD meeting by clicking here.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Washoe County Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting Tuesday to talk about plans to re-open schools for the 2021 school year.
The board will also discuss and possible take action on making updates to the school district's police policies and practices.
The 2 p.m. meeting will be streamed online in accordance with directives from Gov. Sisolak and the Nevada Department of Education due to the pandemic.
Comments may be submitted before and during the meeting for consideration by Trustees at publiccomments@washoeschools.net
The Washoe County School District says it continues to work on plans for the 2020-2021 school year in collaboration with local and state health officials, the Nevada Department of Education, and school districts across the state.
The WCSD says it is important to note that WCSD has not yet made decisions about the upcoming school year.
"As a District, our most important mission is always to protect the health and safety of our students, families, staff members, and our community while providing a world-class education to our 64,000 students. During this global pandemic, our commitment has never wavered."
In addition, the District continues to encourage students, families, and staff to participate in a survey about the reopening of schools in the fall. The deadline for submitting ideas, opinions, and concerns is Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. Surveys are available in English and Spanish.
For more information, click here.
(WCSD contributed to this report.)
