Roseburg Public Schools Determining Next Steps For Reopening

(RPS) Roseburg Public Schools continues to work closely with Douglas Public Health Network in determining next steps in the reopening process following Gov. Kate Brown’s latest directives released Dec. 23. The Governor’s message offers districts more local control in determining when to reopen to in-person learning. This is exciting news as we look to bring students back, and we remain committed to creating plans to return our kids and staff safely. On another positive note, local case rates appear to be on a declining trend and our district has entered the Orange (Transition) phase of the state’s reopening framework. We are also anticipating that vaccines will be made available to local school staff members in the coming weeks. The Governor’s letter raises several questions and concerns that we are working through in our efforts to return students to classrooms. Elements that need more clarity include what new thresholds for COVID case rates will look like when the Governor releases them on January 19, as well as how rapid on-site testing may be used effectively within our schools. As advised by the Governor in her latest directive, we continue to consult with Douglas Public Health Network and are also seeking additional input from families and staff in determining next steps. Our current plans moving forward include the following: All students will continue with remote learning the week of January 4 as we develop plans to get all students back to in-person learning. The previous January 7 opening date for elementary students will be paused while we work through the governor's latest directives and their implications. Our plans to provide Limited In-Person Learning opportunities remain in place at this time. Elementary school students will be invited to participate in Limited In-Person Instruction on Tuesdays starting January 12. Middle and high schools students will be invited to participate in Limited In-Person Instruction on Wednesdays starting January 13. The School Board will be meeting January 6 to consider various scenarios for reopening to all grades. We expect to update families on our plans following this meeting.