August 2020

Dear RIH Families, 

I hope this message reaches each of your families well at the end of this unusual, socially distanced summer!  To address the many emails that were sent to the members of the BOE recently, we have compiled the following clarification and updates in regards the re-opening plans.

• GOVERNOR HAS BEEN CLEAR – KIDS SHOULD BE BACK TO SCHOOL:  The Governor by executive order instructed all schools, including RIH, to submit a plan to put the kids back in school on schedule. We have submitted a hybrid model which the BOE voted on August 3^rd.

• HYBRID PLAN BEING MODIFIED WITH FEEDBACK FROM STATE:  We submitted the hybrid plan in July and are working through the feedback/modifications needed - as well as awaiting yet-to-be published guidelines from the state. 

• PPE SUPPLY RISK IS MANAGABLE:  As you might be aware, there is a global supply chain issue caused by Covid-19 that is affecting many different industries’ supply chains.  We have ordered and anticipate PPE equipment fulfillment in time, but do not have the materials on hand as of yet. 
• TEACHERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT GOING BACK:  Teachers have raised some valid safety concerns.  The administration had included teachers in the committees to develop the original hybrid plan and is currently consulting with teachers to work to develop the improved and compliant plan.  We will need to continue working together to minimize health risks in the schools.   
• EXPERIENCED INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT AT THE HELM:  Mr. Bruce Watson, our interim superintendent, has transitioned into the role smoothly, despite the overwhelming circumstances.  Given Mr. Watson’s 40 years of experience in school systems and 25 years as a Superintendent, his addition to the administrative team will provide an aggressive yet practical lens to evaluate the executability of the newly modified R2L plan and the required changes.

• PARENT R2L INFO SESSION SCHEDULED FOR 8/25:  Mr. Watson has scheduled a Zoom meeting on Tuesday 8/25 to provide an opportunity to have a question-and-answer session prior to the board meeting and has sent out a communication with this information.  As a result, the BOE meeting was moved from Monday 8/24 to Thursday 8/27.  

• DECISION AT BOE MEETING 8/27:  On Thursday 8/27, Mr. Watson and his team will present (1) the current plan with the appropriate modifications for a launch on 9/8 (including state modifications) and (2) a revised de-risked plan with a delayed hybrid start date.  Mr. Watson will elaborate on his recommendation as to how we should proceed as well as the potential risks for both options. The Board will then discuss and vote on the path.   

No one involved, whether it be the board representatives, district administrative team, teachers, or parents, is taking this issue lightly. We share a united goal, which is to create a Return to Learning plan which returns us to some sense of normalcy for our students while at the same time ensures a safe re-entry for all stakeholders in the community.  

I hope that you take the time to tune into the Parent R2L plan review Tuesday and the BOE meeting on Thursday. 

Thank you again for your emails and stay healthy,

John Kinney – President

On behalf of the RIH BOE