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Good afternoon everyone. I’m Dr. David Glasner, Superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools.
Today, my message will be briefer than usual and I will not be answering questions. This message will also go out by email and text to all families and staff immediately following this update.
We recognize that there is increasing concern, in Ohio and across the nation, about having students, teachers and staff in person in school this fall.
Here in Cuyahoga County and across our state, the spread of COVID-19, including infections and hospitalizations, remains problematic.
The county health advisory level data that was released earlier today continues to show disturbing trends in this area, travel restrictions exist for Ohioans and Governor DeWine’s statewide mandatory mask order goes into effect today at 6 p.m.
That is why I want to give you a short update today on where we, as a District, are on this issue of returning to school in person.
During previous updates over the past several weeks, I have stated that we are strongly considering starting the school year remotely and moving to in-person classes only when we are sure it is safe.
The Shaker Heights Teachers Association and other employee groups have been part of this conversation from the beginning, and we take all of their recommendations and concerns very seriously, as we do the concerns and input of all of our employee groups and community stakeholders.
I want to be clear that if we decide to start the school year remotely next month, it is entirely possible we will remain in a remote learning environment for the first semester.
We are still working out the details of what that scenario might include.
As has been the case throughout this process, there are lots of stakeholders, perspectives and logistical details to consider, which make these decisions very complex.
Given that these conversations are continuing, there are lots of questions out there.
I am not answering these questions today, because we recognize that the answers to questions may very well change over the next few days. That said, we realize the impact and importance of these decisions and will work to provide final solutions as soon as possible. As I mentioned in previous updates, we expect to have an announcement and determination regarding the start of the school year no later than the first week in August.
As we have said many, many times, the health and safety of our students, families and staff is always our highest priority.
Thank you for your continued patience and support. Stay well, and have a very good weekend.