GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – This week the California Department of Public Health announced that schools in counties currently on the State COVID-19 monitoring list may apply for a waiver to allow for in-person instruction if public health and safety guidance is met.

On July 17^th, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom mandated that schools within counties on the monitoring list over 14 days must conduct distance learning only, canceling Gridley Unified School District’s plans for an “Early Back” instructional session set to begin on Monday, August 3^rd.  The official “first day of school” was then set off to August 31^st and the district would revert to distance learning style instruction.

These new recommendations released Monday from the CDPH and the opportunity for schools to apply for a waiver could mean that in-person instruction might resume, but only for grades TK – 6.

The CDPH justifies its decision to consider waivers for those grades stating that “based on the current  best available scientific evidence, COVID-related risks in schools serving elementary-age students (grades TK-6) are lower than and different from the risks to staff and to students in schools serving older students. In particular, there appears to be lower risk for child-to-child or child-to-adult transmission in children under age 12, and the risk of infection and serious illness in elementary school children is particularly low.”

In a letter to parents and guardians, GUSD Superintendent Jordan Reeves states, “Our district will apply for a waiver from the state that would allow for in-person instruction at McKinley and Wilson.” He continues, “The waiver application will be extensive and requires the support of certificated and classified staff as well as parent and community support. In order to receive a waiver to reopen McKinley and Wilson for in-person learning, we must receive approval first by Butte County Department of Public Health and then the California Department of Public Health.”

As to be expected, there are many conditions and requirements that must be met for that to become a reality. Butte County Public Health says that the process for submitting the waiver is still being finalized and that they will contact the schools on how to submit. Counties on the monitoring list with 14-day case rates and more than two times the threshold (200 cases per 100,000 residents) should not be considered for the waiver. Butte County case rates are nearing that threshold, reminds BCPH and says schools need to understand that when applying for the waiver.

In the meantime, GUSD is prepared for the upcoming 20-21 virtual school year and will continue to provide Chromebooks to families in need to aid in distance learning. Additionally, the School Board has approved the emergency purchase of 125 cellular hotspots and service to meet the needs of Gridley families without internet services. The $24,000 contract with T-Mobile is covered by special state COVID-19 funding and is hoped to be in place before the planned Aug. 31^st start date.

Superintendent Reeves reminds parents, “There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. The current situation regarding our schools remains fluid and is changing daily… I will continue to update you as changes are certain to happen along the way.” GUSD plans to send out a second survey to families with “updated questions relevant to the current situation that Gridley schools face.”