A Message from our Governance Team
BRSSD Guiding Principles for Navigating a Path Forward
SAFETY, INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITY, CHOICE

On July 23rd, the Governing Board of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD) voted to move forward with an educational model for the 2020-21 school year that includes options for both distance learning and a hybrid approach for in-person learning. To do so we ask for a commitment to one or the other. 

SAFETY IS THE PRIORITY

As a governance team, our priority is safety for teachers, staff and students. Given current guidance, we have been advised that it is safe to open schools.  Throughout our planning, we have remained committed to following the guidance established by the California Department of Education, Governor of California, local and state Public Health officials in collaboration with our County Office Of Education .  Each agency has issued guidance and criteria for reopening.  

After a careful review, we are able to put into place the appropriate safeguards to keep our students and staff safe while attending school in a hybrid model. Please see BRSSD’s School Reopening 2020 plan.  Similar models as BRSSD are under consideration by other local districts such as Burlingame, Hillsborough and Menlo Park.

We have received robust input from teachers, staff, parents and the community through emails, our Town Hall, Board meetings and Advisory Committee.  We have heard from stakeholders who believe that students should receive 100% in-person learning, from those who believe that students should receive 100% distance learning, and from those who believe that students should receive a hybrid of 5/10 days in-person schooling. This varied feedback comes from our community and our educators alike.

We have an incredible staff committed to supporting our students.  Our staff’s well-being is important to us, and we hear their concerns about teaching in an in-person, class setting.  In our reopening plan, we have used guidance from the County Health Officer and County Office of Education to create a framework for addressing these concerns. You can view a draft of our plans in the BRSSD Guidebook .

KEY QUESTIONS

As we move forward into this time of uncertainty, the following key questions have guided us:

  1. Are there consistent guidelines that reflect whether local communities can provide limited re-opening, and effective practices that significantly mitigate viral spread?
  2. What models are best for students’ education and well-being?
  3. How can we offer options to our community?
  4. How can we provide quality education in both formats?
  5. How can we do so in a safe manner, with consideration to individual health care issues of teachers, staff and students?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), recently released a joint statement advocating for “All students to have the opportunity to safely resume in-person learning.”

We are fortunate that BRSSD can provide both options, although we agree that neither may be optimal. We feel the loss of community and safety nets schools provide, and recognize our new normal may only approximate qualities we came to expect. We understand our educators may face stress, remain sensitive to the difficulties of delivering quality programs in this environment, and that personal health may limit participation. 

We are committed to continuous improvement of a high quality framework that will address the needs of our families and educators. Consistent guidance by state and county agencies will indicate whether local conditions are reasonable to offer in-person education or not. We will continue to monitor these conditions closely.

We will prepare for both circumstances and will move forward with the motivation to provide options for both families and staff to meet their varying needs, and compassion for the physical and mental health challenges we all face.  We recognize that the contingency plans contribute to the amount of stress and anxiety we all feel. However, we made our decision because it is rooted in creating the best educational experience in a safe environment for all students and staff.

CONTINUOUS MONITORING

As of today, San Mateo County does not qualify for the state Watch List . Current guidance would limit reopening if San Mateo County was to be placed on the state Watch List.  Should this take place, we will alter course and will implement a full distance learning plan. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep our community informed.

We have heard your concerns. As such, families will receive an email later this evening to confirm or make changes to their survey responses.  Please make the best choice for your family for an August start.  We will reevaluate as conditions change. Our Principals will be hosting Town Halls to address questions as well:


These meeting links and phone dial-in information can also be found on the BRSSD Reopening Information Page at BRSSD.org.

Thank you for your patience and support during this unprecedented time. If you have questions, please direct them to board@brssd.org .

Sincerely,

Suvarna Bhopale, Amy Koo, Sam Leinbach, Jim Howard, Rahila Passi
BRSSD Board of Trustees

Dan Deguara
Superintendent