As the Peoria Unified School District moves deeper into this school year amid the pandemic, the next big day will be Aug. 17, when the district will need to comply with Gov. Doug Ducey ’s executive order stating each school district shall begin offering free on-site learning opportunities and support services for students who “need a place to go” during the day.
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As the Peoria Unified School District moves deeper into this school year amid the pandemic, the next big day will be Aug. 17, when the district will need to comply with Gov. Doug Ducey ’s executive order stating each school district shall offer free on-site learning opportunities and support services for students who “need a place to go” during the day.
This requirement was implemented because some parents are essential workers and are unable to accommodate virtual teacher-led instruction in their homes as well as for children who don’t have access to technology, according to the executive order.
These students are likely to be among the district’s most vulnerable population — students enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch programs, special education students, English language learners and those in the care of the Department of Child Safety or foster care.
Additionally, school officials must make contact with parents of these specific students.
But some are unsure of what may play out Aug. 17.
Parents had to register for this onsite support program, with 432 students signing up. The district will provide about 10 elementary school locations and up to all seven district high schools.
Officials said administrators at each school also are reaching out to each family to determine how many children may need a place to go, but the data was not readily available.
“I would like to see that data, because ultimately I want to ensure that we are making contact with the most vulnerable population first as part of the governor’s executive order,” governing board member Monica Ceja Martinez said, adding she has concerns that some parents may not be aware of this option and questions if enough qualified staff will be available to meet the various needs of the students.
“Are we reaching out to all these demographics? Based on the numbers I have been presented with, I don’t believe we have had sufficient outreach,” she said.
The on-site support model will have locations open 8 a.m.-3p.m. and 7:20 a.m.-2:20 p.m. starting Aug. 17. The campuses are determined based on need and existing capacity. Students will be grouped by grade level and minimum time requirements. There also will be a nurse on campus during operating hours.
A return to school for the overall student population will be based on health benchmarks outlined by Arizona Department of Health services, district officials said.
Benchmarks are classified into minimal, moderate and substantial transmission categories as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and align with the Arizona Department of Education’s Roadmap for Reopening Schools.
ADHS recommends Maricopa County public health benchmarks fall within the moderate or minimal spread category in all three benchmarks for two weeks in order to re-open schools for in-person instruction. A moderate level could allow for a hybrid model, and minimal level could allow for a full opening.
The county health department may modify a specific benchmark.
ADHS specifically recommends the following benchmarks be met prior to offering any in-person learning:
--There must be a two-week decline in the number of cases or two weeks with new case rates below 100 per 100,000;
--Two weeks with less than 7% positivity;
--Two weeks with hospital visits due to COVID-like illness below 10%.
The benchmarks are color coded based on risk levels.
PUSD Superintendent Jason Reynolds said reaching these benchmarks on a minimal level would get the district into the yellow or moderate risk allowing for the district to begin to provide a hybrid model of in-person and virtual learning.
The district will get fresh data from the county Friday and meet with its medical advisory team Aug. 17 to discuss and analyze the most up-to-date data and provide an update to the board and community.
“The county has committed to getting us data in a variety of ways — by city, by school district, by ZIP code. This data will be helpful in making the most educated decisions for our community,” Mr. Reynolds said.
The benchmarks were released Aug. 6 to guide decisions by public school districts on when to offer virtual, hybrid or in-person instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I just want to stress the longer we are out, the more damage we are doing to the children, to the families,” governing board member Beverly Pingerelli said. “I would like to get back before Sept. 8, but for me that is the very last date I think is acceptable.”
Governing board member Judy Doane said there has been a promotion of a spirit of fear during the pandemic.
“Some people are going to get COVID-19 when we reopen the schools. It’s going to happen. ...,” she said.
“My request and my desire, my heart’s wish is that we don’t let fear of any kind rule us, that we get our kids back in school with their parents' permission, the ones that want to, and that we move on.”
Governing board President David Sandoval said the district can extend the school year but cannot extend a life that has been lost.
“With that said, I am glad we have the benchmarks,” he said. “It is smart to follow the data and the science. I just can’t agree with a date is somewhat arbitrary, that doesn’t have substance to allow us to make an informed and responsible decision on behalf of all those we are responsible for. Our last board meeting we announced we would open when it is safe and that’s where I sit.”
Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-3697, phaldiman@newszap.com, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman.
Philip Haldiman is a third generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts.
He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing.
Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards.
In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
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