Paso Robles School Board delays opening secondary schools
–The Paso Robles School Board voted Monday night to delay reopening secondary schools until San Luis Obispo County returns to the Red Tier, or until the state otherwise grants approved reopening. Previously, the district planned to reopen the middle and high schools on Jan. 11, 2021.
Superintendent Curt DuBost presented three options to the board. The first was to reopen more schools without their approval. DuBost said that would initiate a battle with the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department for the safety of teachers, students, and other school employees and their families.
The second option would commence secondary school instruction with distance learning on Jan. 11, and reopen classrooms after the county has returned to the red tier for two weeks. Option #3 also delays students returning to secondary school until 14 days after the county returns to the Red Tier, however, it includes negotiation with labor unions to craft plans for teachers to voluntarily return to specific classes. The classes would be for all who want to return.
The board received calls and letters from members of the public, including representatives from the Paso Robles Public Educators (PRPE.) Jim Lynette and Justin Pickard each spoke for the Teachers Union. They said they are concerned for the safety of teachers, although elementary school teachers and classified workers are already back working in elementary schools with students.
Superintendent Curt DuBost recommended Option #3. The board voted 5-1 in support of that option. Jim Reed cast the lone dissenting vote. He said he feels students should return to the classrooms. Chris Bausch was absent.
Board President Chris Arend reminded the board and the public that the trustees will meet again on Saturday to discuss the recent Grand Jury Report criticizing PRJUSD administrators, the school board, and the County Office of Education for mismanagement and lack of fiscal responsibility.
On Monday, Jan. 11, the district will return from winter break. As previously scheduled, all Mondays, until further notice, are distance learning days for TK-12 grades. Commencing Tuesday, Jan. 12, elementary schools will reopen for in-person instruction, as they were prior to the winter break. Secondary schools will remain in distance learning. The district will work to negotiate and implement plans for additional in-person services and instruction where possible in small student cohorts. “These details will be negotiated with our labor partners and additional communication will follow in the proceeding weeks,” the district said in a statement.
“We continue to thank all of our classified and certificated staff for their dedication to our students and community. We acknowledge that this year has been a struggle for all involved, and we continue to work towards in-person school options for all students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Additionally, please be reminded of the following essential information regarding attending in-person school for elementary students It is very important to note that if any parent, child, family member, or staff who is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, has a positive COVID-19 test, or knows of exposure to a person with COVID-19, that person must refrain from coming onto our campuses. We must stop the spread of this virus so that we can return to school safely.”
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