January 26, 2021 9:50 a.m.

Roseburg Public Schools has announced plans to welcome secondary students back to classrooms on Monday,

Superintendent Jared Cordon said the Douglas County case and test positivity rates have fallen within the threshold that allows the district to reopen the middle and high school buildings to in-person, hybrid learning within recommended guidelines.

According to the latest update from the Oregon Health Authority, released Monday, cases have lowered to 196 per 100,000 people over the past two-week period with the test positivity rate at 4.4 percent.

Cordon said this decision aligns with the School Board’s direction earlier this month to return all grades to classrooms once the county met the metrics. Students in grades K-5 returned to full-time in-person learning on Monday.

Cordon said, “We have been looking forward to this moment for the entire school year and are overjoyed to have all grades back in our schools”. Cordon acknowledged that this has been a long journey for families and said, “…we are immensely grateful for their ongoing patience and support”.

Cordon said the district remains committed to maintaining the health and safety of its staff, students and community and are confident that ongoing safety protocols will continue to limit transmission in school environments.

Due to requirements to limit cohort sizes to 100 students per week, students will attend class two days a week, with remote or asynchronous learning on the other days.

Cordon said the district is providing 6-12 families the choice between starting hybrid learning or remaining in comprehensive remote learning. Surveys about learning options are being sent to families. Parents with questions are encouraged to contact their student’s school