Boise School Board To Make Decision About Start of School in Early August
Board to Consider Guidance from Public Health Officials
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Boise, ID -- July 23, 2020 -- Members of the Boise School Board today held a virtual workshop session with Central District Health Department and public health officials regarding COVID-19 and potential impacts to the start of the 2020-21 school year.
During the workshop, CDH Program Manager
Gina Pannell
reported to the Board that the Idaho Division of Public Health is currently working on school-specific guidance to assist schools in determining whether to open school house doors for the start of school. That guidance is expected in early August.
During the workshop, Dr.
Mark Nassir
, president, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Group and Dr.
Kenny Bramwell
, emergency room physician and medical director for St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, both emphasized the importance of schools creating pandemic operation plans, like the
Boise School District’s pandemic operation plans
, to mitigate the risks associated with contracting the virus.
Also, during the Board workshop, Board President
Nancy Gregory
announced that the Board will work with Central District Health, other public health care providers and District administrators to monitor and evaluate the rapidly changing conditions related to community spread of the virus.
In addition, on August 3rd, two weeks before school begins on August 17th, the Board will hold a Special Board Meeting to determine whether Boise School District will start the school year by holding in-person classes.
“At that time, we will make the best decision possible for the safety and health of our students, staff and community,” said President Nancy Gregory.
The Special Board Meeting on August 3, 2020 will be held virtually. When available, the meeting agenda, including the start time, and link to attend the virtual meeting, will be posted on the
Boise School Board Meeting website
.
Public testimony will be allowed, in accordance with
Board Policy #1441
. Individuals wishing to testify on agenda items must send an email in advance of the Board meeting to Board Clerk
Sharon Mast
at
sharon.mast@boiseschools.org
