MENDOCINO CO., 6/29/20 — The Ukiah Unified School District is weighing three possible reopening scenarios for the 2020–21 school year. The reopening date for the district is currently set for August 17, however, the district’s board of trustees is meeting on July 13 to make a final decision.
The meeting will be streamed on the UUSD Live YouTube Channel, and you can ask questions or comment by filling out this form before the meeting. You can read more information about participating here.
The trustees will be considering three scenarios: in-person classes five days a week with social distancing measures; a hybrid model that would have half of students on location and half online for two days a week, followed by a cleaning day, and then a swap; and lastly, completely virtual classes.
“Our priority is to bring students physically back to school because we know for most kids being in school is the best educational option,” says UUSD Superintendent Deb Kubin in a press release. “Yet, in this challenging time, we must all remain flexible and open to change.”
UUSD schools will be following the California Department of Public Health guidance for schools and California Department of Education guidance for their reopening plans. The Board of Trustees’ meetings are broadcasted on the UUSD Live YouTube channel. For questions, you can contact Doug Shald, the UUSD Communications Officer, at 707.472.5005 or at [email protected].
Here is the full press release from the superintendent’s office with more details:
Press Release
Superintendent’s Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 24, 2020
Contact: Debra Kubin, Superintendent
(707) 472-5002 | [email protected]
Ukiah Unified Board of Trustees to Decide Fall School Reopening
Ukiah, CA – Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) announced how and when the decision would be made to reopen schools this fall. UUSD has been working on a 2020/21 plan for several potential scenarios envisioned for the opening of UUSD schools on August 17, 2020. District and school-site administrators, department leads, Ukiah Teachers Association (UTA) members, and California School Employees Association (CSEA) members are all involved in the ongoing process. Parents gave input through a survey given at the end of May.
“We are working on our school programs for 2020/21, and there is much uncertainty about what school will look like. Our priority is to bring students physically back to school because we know for most kids being in school is the best educational option. Yet, in this challenging time, we must all remain flexible and open to change,” commented UUSD Superintendent Deb Kubin.
Over the last several weeks, a wide variety of working groups at UUSD were tasked with making recommendations and drafting plans to be presented to UUSD Trustees concerning all aspects of reopening schools. Health and Safety, Food Services, Transportation, Custodial, Facilities, Scheduling, Communication, Parent Stakeholders, Personnel, Training, and Instructional groups have all met.
UUSD staff is following the California Department of Public Health Guidance for Schools and California Department of Education Guidance for Schools when planning for their reopening. After UUSD draft plans are complete, UUSD will consult with the Mendocino County Public Health Department. The final decision regarding what school will look like in 2020/21 will be made by the UUSD Board of Trustees during a special Board meeting to be held virtually on July 13, 2020.
UUSD is looking at three different scenarios for their fall reopening:
Scenario A – Return to school five days a week with safety measures to provide for as much social distancing as practicable and remote learning for parents who do not feel comfortable sending students to school five days each week. This five day a week model may look different than what our community is used to.
Scenario B – This is a hybrid model where students would be split into two groups, with 50% of them in each group. One group would be referred to as A and the other as B. In this model, a student would attend school in person two days a week and be on remote learning three days a week.
This hybrid model could work in a variety of ways. One possible example would be the A group attends school in person on Monday and Tuesday, and the B group attends school in person on Thursday and Friday with additional classroom sanitation on Wednesday. Parents who do not want this option could choose remote learning.
Scenario C – Remote Learning similar to the 2019-20 school year if the health conditions in our community necessitate it.
“The staff is working incredibly hard to plan for these different scenarios, and I commend them on their flexibility and creativity,” said Kubin. “Regardless of what school might look like this fall, our priority is the health and safety of our students and staff, and we will do everything we can to be ready for the challenges we may face this fall.”
On Thursday, June 18, 2020, the fall 2020 reopening was discussed at the regular meeting of the UUSD Board of Trustees. The results of the UUSD parent survey given in June were detailed, and the Board provided direction to staff. UUSD Board of Trustees’ meetings are broadcast virtually and can be accessed through the UUSD Live YouTube channel.
For more information, please contact Doug Shald, UUSD Communications Officer, at 707.472.5005 or [email protected].
