Letter From Albany Unified School District Superintendent: Reopening Schools Update

Press release from Albany Unified School District:

October 3, 2020

Superintendent Wells will present an update on the status of reopening schools and will detail plans to pivot to a hybrid model of instruction at a Special School Board Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6th.

October 2, 2020

Dear AUSD Community,

Albany Unified School District has been working for many months toward the goal of returning to in-person instruction for our students and staff. We recognize the impacts of school closures on students and families, and the great need to return to learning in-person when it is safe to do so. As we work towards this goal, we are fully committed to working with our labor partners to reopen in ways that are safe and measured.

In July, the School Board approved a remote-learning model of instruction to begin the school year, with the goal to phase-in an in-person hybrid approach, and instructed the District to reassess and bring a new determination to the Board on October 6th.

Just yesterday, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools issued a statement on a Phased Reopening for Alameda County Schools, following the modified Shelter-in-Place Order from the Alameda County Public Health Department (APHD), which noted the reduced spread of COVID-19 in Alameda County, and envisions permitting a limited and phased reopening of elementary schools, without the need for the waiver required previously.

These announcements came at an opportune time for AUSD, as our commitment to return to the Board with a new recommendation on October 6th is just around the corner. I look forward to sharing our proposal at the upcoming Board of Education Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 6. Details on how to join are listed below.

This special meeting is open to the public via Zoom webinar. To join by video, visit this website at the time of the meeting: https://ausdk12-org.zoom.us/j/96977397193 (Webinar ID: 969 7739 7193). To join by phone, dial: US: 1+669-900-6833, enter Webinar ID: 969 7739 7193#. Click here to view the agenda: October 6, 2020 Special Meeting Agenda

Stay safe, healthy and encouraged.

Frank Wells, Ed.D.Superintendent Albany Unified School District

This press release was produced by the Albany Unified School District. The views expressed are the author's own.