Weekly Hot News Podcast, January 4, 2021
On Tuesday, December 23rd, Governor Kate Brown issued a letter to the directors of the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education stating that as of Friday, January 1st, the health metrics guiding schools’ return to in-person learning should be considered advisory rather than mandatory.
She also called upon the agencies to continue collaborating with school districts to coordinate the return to in-person learning as soon as possible, prioritizing elementary students; partner with schools to access on-site, rapid testing; and ensure school districts not only continue to adhere to required health and safety protocols and work in close consultation with their local health authority, but also involve teachers, school staff, students, and parents in the decision-making process for returning to in-person learning.
In addition, Governor Brown asked that OHA and ODE review and provide any needed updates, based on scientific data and evidence, to the appropriate thresholds for the return to in-person learning by January 19th; and that they collaborate on the alignment of Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance and Oregon OSHA rules to ensure all necessary health and safety procedures and protocols are included to allow maximum access to in-person instruction in keeping with reasonable health and safety standards.
We are scheduled to meet with both the Governor’s office and ODE within the next week to get further clarification on how these changes will impact schools and districts. We also will continue collaborating closely with our bargaining units, HEA and HCU, and Washington County Public Health; and will make any necessary adjustments to our planning teams and process to comply with the Governor’s action items. An update will be provided to our School Board at their January 12th work session, and will then be shared in a districtwide communication to staff, students, and families on January 13th.
We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding, and perseverance as we have navigated these incredibly challenging times together