I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your summer. I am writing to update you on recent announcements from the NYS Department of Health and NYS Education Department, regarding the reopening of our schools this September.
Earlier this week, NYSDOH released the following statement from Dr. Howard Zucker, the New York State Health Commissioner:
With the end of the state disaster emergency on June 25, 2021, school districts are reestablished as the controlling entity for schools. Schools and school districts should develop plans to open in-person in the fall as safely as possible, and I recommend following guidance from the CDC and local health departments.
Notably, this message from Dr. Zucker is a departure from NYSDOH’s guidance approach, as information was shared as recently as July 7, 2021 for summer school. It is also a shift from information sent to superintendents by State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa on July 29, 2021. In Commissioner Betty Rosa’s memo , she stated the following:
The Governor’s staff has informed the Department that guidance from DOH is in development and the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will serve as its basis.
As of this morning, Commissioner Rosa has stated that, absent guidance from the NYSDOH, the NYSED will provide school districts with guidance next week.
I thank you for your continued support and understanding. We are excited to safely welcome all of our students and staff back to school and will keep you posted on any related developments as soon as we hear about them.
Joseph Hochreiter
Superintendent
