The Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Jan. 11 had many topics regarding USD 259 students and staff up for discussion. Board members deliberated on things like when the teachers could possibly be vaccinated, and the coronavirus numbers within the district.
Ultimately, the biggest issue discussed was when students could potentially return to their school buildings. After carefully considering the COVID-19 cases for Sedgwick County, a motion was made for K-5 students to be back in the buildings on Jan. 19, and for secondary students to return on Jan. 25. The motion failed 4-3.
There was, however, a recommendation for K-5 to return on Jan. 13, only two days after the meeting, and secondary students would return on Jan. 25, which is the start of the second semester. The motion passed to follow the submitted recommendation, and students will return to school on the days mentioned in a blended model.
The board made it clear that while students that chose onsite would be in the building, there would be strict COVID standards and guidelines set in place for the safety of both students and staff.
With the blended model suggested and passed, East students will continue to have the two sets of blue and white days, with A-L students coming into the building on Mondays and Tuesdays, everyone remote on Wednesdays, and M-Z in the building on Thursdays and Fridays.