January 7, 2021 9:30 a.m.

At Wednesday night’s meeting, the Roseburg Public Schools Board of Directors voted to return all students to in-person learning on January 25th.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said several options were considered and input came from dozens of parents, teachers and community members, regarding their experiences over the past several months.

Cordon said he was deeply moved by the testimonials. He said, “While opinions varied over how we should proceed with reopening, one truth become immediately evident: we are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for our kids”. Cordon said finding a perfect solution is simply not an option. However, we said the district is “…committed to making sure that this reopening process occurs in the safest and most thoughtful manner possible”.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will return to full time in-person learning on that date. Students in grades six through twelve will be able to return to in-person learning through a hybrid model. That hybrid model includes a mixture of in-person and remote learning. Cordon said due to the continued state health and safety mandates, which requires districts to maintain limited cohort sizes, this model is currently the only option for the older students.

All families will be given the option to remain in remote learning if they prefer.

Cordon said he knows many families have struggled greatly this school year. He believes this plan will serve the greatest needs of the district’s students.

A release said the district will be sharing more details with families about the next steps for preparing for the January 25th change, over the next few days. The district will continue to work with local public health authorities on the plan, will continue to monitor local COVID-19 cases, and will look for additional guidance from the state.

Plans to offer Limited in-Person instruction opportunities for students in all grades starting the week of January 11th will proceed.

Go to www.roseburg.k12.or.us for updates on Roseburg Public Schools.