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EDUCATION

Agua Fria UHSD board to hear hybrid learning update

Recommendation to transition to in-person learning not expected at Oct. 14 meeting

Posted 10/13/20

Agua Fria Union High School District’s Governing Board will hear an update Wednesday, Oct. 14 on the district’s transition to its hybrid schedule, which kicked off Monday.

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EDUCATION

Agua Fria UHSD board to hear hybrid learning update

Recommendation to transition to in-person learning not expected at Oct. 14 meeting

Posted

Agua Fria Union High School District’s Governing Board will hear an update Wednesday, Oct. 14 on the district’s transition to its hybrid schedule, which kicked off Monday.

“The hybrid is off to a successful start with about 5,300 students attending campus on the alternating day hybrid, and 2,500 students virtually attending from home,” AFUHSD superintendent, Dr. Dennis Runyan, said via email Oct. 13. “This format can be complicated for teachers when navigating with both groups in real time. I’ve had a chance to visit with a group of teachers in their classrooms ... and their creatively addressing this temporary curriculum format is truly amazing to watch.”

READ: Agua Fria school board OKs Oct. 12 transition to hybrid learning

He said the district has created a resource hub for teachers and is providing site staff development opportunities as it moves into the winter months.

“I have to share that the selfless work of all employees has been truly unprecedented and should be commended,” Dr. Runyan said.

In response to a question of whether he will recommend a transition to full in-person learning, Dr. Runyan called the update “a check in with the principals as they are starting this process. We anticipate similar updates will continue at future board meetings. We also continue to monitor the medical metrics from the county and state of Arizona concerning the COVID issues. With the current hybrid model we are in a unique position to return to full virtual teaching if necessary.”

On Sept. 9, the board voted 3-2 to begin transitioning students to hybrid learning, with Board President Vickie Landis, Vice President Maxine Hill and board member Gina DeCoste voting in favor and Mariana Sandoval and Mary Kay Utecht voting against.

AFUHSD operates five high schools and two alternative programs serving Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Waddell and parts of Glendale.

Under the hybrid model, students are divided into two groups, with half in the classroom two days a week and half online two days. All instruction is conducted online on Wednesdays.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at district offices, 1481 N. Eliseo Felix Way in Avondale. It is open to the public, with seating capacity limited to 30 people for COVID-19 safety measures. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis; to reserve up to two seats, visit  forms.gle/EKnWM332RHRponWV9. Face coverings are required at all times.

Those wishing to join via telephone may call 669-900-6833 and enter meeting ID 893 7065 6032 and passcode 415592. Residents also may watch via the district’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/AguaFriaUnionHighSchoolDistrict.

Other action items on the agenda include:

  • Approval of fiscal 2020 annual financial reports;
  • Extending the district’s lease on 45 acres of farmland with A Tumbling T Ranches for two years;
  • Adoption of the boards January to December 2021 meeting schedule;
  • Adoption of the district policy on voluntary transfer of accrued sick leave;
  • Approval of an agreement with Greater Phoenix Educational Management Council; and
  • Approval of a request for quote for superindentent search and consulting services.

The board also will hear principals’ reports, and consider approval of performance-based compensation for Dr. Runyan and district administrators.