The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education met Monday night to approve revisions to the Smart Start Plan “Red Operations”.
During the November 2, 2020 Board of Education Pandemic Response Work Session, the KPBSD Board gave direction to the KPBSD Administration to develop revisions to the KPBSD Smart Start 2020 plan in the area of “Red/High Risk” operations. This request was the result of an anticipated extended period of high COVID-19 case counts resulting in the Kenai Peninsula Borough being in “Red/High Risk” status and as per the existing Smart Start Plan providing 100% remote learning for all but vulnerable students (Pre-K, K, and Special Education Intensive Needs). Those revisions were discussed and voted on Monday night.
During the meeting, Monday night, public comment to Board members showed numerous individuals expressing dissatisfaction with remote learning, saying that they want schools re-opened to in person learning during periods of “Red/High Risk”. Other comments conversely expressed concern with the high COVID-19 case counts and a desire to remain with remote learning until the community risk levels are lower. Parents, teachers and even students called in or spoke through Zoom pouring out their feelings.
Public comment and board deliberation prior to voting took the meeting to midnight. After public comment, members of the board proposed motions to amend the Smart Start Plan, most of which did not pass. One amendment that did would modify the original recommendation that stated all PreK, Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students will attend school 5 days a week. The approved amendment that revised the original recommendation now states all Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade students will attend school 5 days a week. 7th through 12th grade will be on a hybrid schedule. Based on information and the recommendation from the KPBSD Medical Advisory Committee, implementation of this revised SMART Start plan is not recommended until January 19, 2021 at the earliest.
According to the district, operating under this revised “Red/High Risk” operations status will be determined by the Superintendent of Schools in consultation with the KPBSD Pandemic Team and local/state medical experts. At such a point that the level of community risk reaches an extreme level, the Superintendent will move schools to 100% remote learning until risk levels return to high.
The revised plan and other COVID-19 related information was discussed during a Board work session earlier Monday.