Members,
Thank you to all those who took time to complete our back-to-school survey. I know this is an extremely busy time for education leaders, and the results of the survey reminded me of how much time, thought, energy and passion has gone in to planning for the 2020-2021 school year.
What is obvious to me is how hard districts are working to provide students and families with educational opportunities to meet their unique needs; how concerned leaders are about the welfare of their students, employees and communities; how health concerns may affect staffing shortages; the strong relationships local school and health officials have built; and the toll difficult back-to-school decisions are taking on leaders resolved to do what's best for students.
There's no playbook to follow and precious little data on which to make decisions. Members of the OSSBA team read every survey response. Below, you'll find a few data highlights. You can also view detailed results on questions about limiting student interactions and personal protective equipment by clicking here.
Please also be assured we are working to answer many of the questions you posed and searching for solutions to resolve your concerns. I hope you'll join us tomorrow for one of our free Q & A sessions on back-to-school employee-related issues.
I know the pressure on you is tremendous. It is a privilege to work on behalf of such bold, courageous leaders.
Sincerely,
Shawn Hime, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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School districts are providing a variety of educational opportunities to meet the needs of students and families.
What educational options will your district be providing to students?
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Many districts have made calendar modifications and are still weighing how evolving health conditions might affect back-to-school plans.
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Education leaders support a targeted face-covering mandate for students and staff based on the state's color-coded COVID-19 alert system over a statewide mandate. Districts plan to implement a wide variety of safety measures.
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Other Safety Precautions
- Click here to see a PDF of detailed responses from superintendents about how districts are planning to limit student interactions.
- Click here to see a PDF of detailed responses from superintendents about plans for personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Click here to see a dashboard with responses to both questions.
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School districts may face COVID-19-related staffing shortages.
Are you concerned that your district will experience COVID-related shortages in the following areas?
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School districts are building strong relationships with local and state health officials.
Has your school district received timely information from county and state health officials?
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Many school boards have continued to meet in person, but there's support for continuing legal flexibility for virtual/blended school board meetings.
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*This flexibility will end when the governor's emergency order expires or on Nov. 15, whichever comes first.
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Survey results: OSSBA conducted this survey was conducted July 17-21. It was completed by 277 superintendents and 194 school board members. For more information, contact OSSBA Communications Director Christy Watson.
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