AApproval of Revisions to Smart Start Plan "Red Operations"

Background Information:

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). During Board meeting public comment and through emails to Board members numerous individuals expressed dissatisfaction with remote learning and stated that they wanted schools re-opened to in person learning during periods of "Red/High Risk". Other comments during Board meetings and through emails 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.

It was under this context that KPBSD Administration has endeavored to revise the "Red/High Risk" operations portion of the KPBSD Smart Start 2020 plan. Over the past several weeks Assistant Superintendent Holland has conducted stakeholder surveys of parents, students, and staff. He has met with groups of administrators and teachers and has reconvened the Smart Start Committee with additional teacher participants to work on revisions to the "Red/High Risk" operations plan. The KPBSD Pandemic team has also consulted with medical personnel from AK DHSS and the KPBSD medical advisory team. The document included here is the result of this extensive work.

While it is recognized that remaining in 100% remote learning for extended periods of time due to high levels of community transmission and risk is not in the educational best interest of many students and families, there must be an overall priority given to the physical safety of students, staff, and the community at large. 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.

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.

The revised plan and other COVID-19 related information was discussed during a Board work session earlier today. Administration recommends approval of this revised Smart Start 2020 Plan.