Governor Announces Health Metrics for Schools are Advisory as of Jan. 1
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2020, Governor Kate Brown issued a letter to the directors of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) stating that as of Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, the health metrics guiding schools’ return to in-person learning should be considered advisory rather than mandatory.
She also called for five specific actions from the agencies:
Continue collaborating with school districts to coordinate the return to in-person learning as soon as possible, prioritizing elementary students.
In conjunction with a prioritization of educators and school staff for the COVID-19 vaccine, the OHA is to partner with schools to access on-site, rapid testing.
In addition to school districts continuing to adhere to required health and safety protocols and working in close consultation with their local health authority, they are also to involve teachers, school staff, students, and parents in the decision-making process for returning to in-person learning.
Review and provide any needed updates, based on scientific data and evidence, to the appropriate thresholds for the return to in-person learning by Jan. 19, 2021.
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 above-listed action items. An update will be provided to our School Board at their Jan. 12 work session, and will then be shared in a districtwide communication to staff, students, and families on Jan. 13.
We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding, and perseverance as we have navigated these incredibly challenging times together.
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The HSD Board of Directors comprises seven elected members serving four-year terms and three student representatives serving a one-year term. Board members are community volunteers and do not receive compensation for their work. Board members establish policy based on Oregon and Federal laws governing schools. The Board approves policies for the Superintendent to implement. Email: School Board.
