UPDATE: The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees voted to extend the temporary distance learning shift for middle and high schools from January 4, 2021 to January 19, 2021.
The motion passed 5-2. Trustee Andrew Caudill and Ellen Minetto voted against the motion.
At the last meeting on November 24, trustees set a tentative return date of January 4. But on Tuesday's meeting, trustees took Superintendent Kristen McNeill's recommendation of an extension for at-home learning.
"When we met back at Sparks High School I talked about one of my lessons learned, and I think, I said at that time if I had a do-over I would have waited one more week." said Malena Raymond, the president of the WCSD Board of Trustees. Her comment was in reference to an earlier decision to bring students back to school on August 18, starting the 2020-2021 school year. "I don't want to make the same mistake twice and push this too soon when we don't have the resources in place."
Growing COVID-19 case numbers in the community led to Middle and High School students being sent home to learn. The is also an opportunity for schools to address shortages of resources and staff.
One of the biggest issues the school district is facing is a lack of substitute teachers, as regular staff levels take a hit due to exclusions.
District officials say the shortage is affecting elementary schools more than middle and high schools. As the district works to hire more substitute teachers, Governor Sisolak recently signed an emergency order easing existing restrictions. Instead of a requirement of 60 college credits, a person with a high school diploma can now apply for an emergency substitute license with the Nevada Department of Education. The temporary practice was criticized during Tuesday's meeting.
"This proposal undermines the professionalism of educators. It potentially harms not only students, but the public perception of education in our county and state." said Phillip Kaiser, a teacher at McQueen High School. "From this decision it appears that schools are simply a place for students to go so their parents can go to work. It's daycare. This decision does not honor the school district's mission statement to provide quality education."
District officials say they are thoroughly screening applicants, and candidates still need to pass a background check to work at the school district.
"It's not something necessarily that we're looking at as a permanent change, but it's something that was needed at this moment to help us keep our students in in-person learning." said Raymond.
The emergency regulation expires on February 24th, however WCSD is working with the Nevada Department of Education to extend the expiration date.
During Tuesday's meeting, Trustee Sharon Kennedy proposed a motion to have elementary schools go full distance learning on Monday. However the motion was denied due to a lack of data indicating significant COVID-19 impacts on younger students. Social-emotional well-being was also a reason to keep young learners in school.
A decision on winter sports is still up in the air and it may be influenced on Governor Steve Sisolak's direction following Nevada's three week pause.
Original Story: The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to discuss several topics including COVID-19, scheduling and athletics at a public meeting inside Reno High School at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Specifically:
Trustees are scheduled to discuss guidance surrounding the continuing challenges of COVID-19. Topics include staffing levels and data indicators used to assess community risk; the schedule for returning to the hybrid learning model for secondary schools; and possible changes to the 2020-2021 athletic season. To see the agenda item, please click here, and note that this item will not be heard before 4 p.m.
The Board may vote on the proposed SHARE curriculum for seventh-graders. This item will not be heard before 4 p.m.
Trustees will hear a presentation about the new “Pupil Centered Funding Plan (PCFP)” which replaces the current “Nevada Plan” on July 1 of next year. PCFP modernizes and streamlines the way Nevada provides funding to school districts, and creates a more transparent, student-centered, and equitable system. This item will not be heard before 4 p.m.
Trustees will discuss the outcome of an audit of the WCSD Capital Improvement Program performed by Protiviti, a global consulting and internal audit firm. The Protiviti audit examined all WC-1 revenues, bond proceeds, and associated expenditures.
Seating will be limited in order to observe the required social distancing protocols. Reno High School is located at 395 Booth Street.
Members of the community are welcome to submit comments before or during the meeting at publiccomments@washoeschools.net
Related: WCSD Seeks Substitute Teachers, Governor Signs Emergency Regulation
Related: Middle & High School WCSD Students to Switch to Distance Learning Full-Time
