December 28, 2020 4:30 p.m.
Roseburg Public Schools continues to work on the reopening process following the latest directives released by Governor Kate Brown on December 23rd.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said the governor’s message offered districts more local control in determining when to reopen to in-person learning. Cordon said, “This is exciting news as we look to bring students back, and we remain committed to creating plans to return our kids and staff safely”.
Cordon said local case rates appear to be declining and the district has entered the Orange or Transition phase of the state’s reopening framework. Cordon said he is also anticipating that vaccines will be made available to local school staff members in the coming weeks.
The RPS release said the Governor’s letter raises several questions and concerns that staff is working through in its efforts to return students to classrooms. The release said elements that need more clarity include what new thresholds for COVID case rates will look like when the governor releases them on January 19th, as well as how rapid on-site testing may be used effectively within the schools.
The release said RPS is continuing to consult with the Douglas Public Health Network and are also seeking input from families and staff in determining the next steps.
Current plans moving forward include:
*All students will continue with remote learning the week of January 4th as plans are developed to get all students back to in-person learning. The previous January 7th opening date for elementary students will be paused while district staff works through the governor’s latest directives and their implications.
*Plans to provide Limited In-Person Learning opportunities remain in place. Elementary school students will be invited to participate in Limited In-Person instruction on Tuesdays starting on January 12th. Middle and high school students will be invited to participate in Limited In-Person Instruction on Wednesdays starting January 13th.
*The School Board will meet January 6th to consider various scenarios for reopening all grades. The district expects to update families on its plans following this meeting.
Go to www.roseburg.k12.or.us for the latest information on Roseburg Public Schools.