On Wednesday, the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees opted not to open schools and will reevaluate in January 2021 in a 5-0 vote.
Superintendent Stephanie Anello told the Board that combined, both COVID-19 and Flu will make contact tracing unreliable and they would not be able to identify students or staff who have been exposed to the virus. She further explained how Antioch has the second highest amount of COVID-19 cases in the county.
As of Wednesday, report, Contra Costa County has a Positivity rate of 3.3% with a total cases at 17,420 with 16,472 recovered. The City of Antioch has had 2,319 positive cases with 159 in the past 14-days. Meanwhile in Brentwood, the total cases is 652, Oakley has had 517 while Pittsburg has had 1,939 cases.
Currently, according to the Contra Costa County Department of Public Health (CCCDPH), Contra Costa County remains in the red tier indicating “substantial” spread of COVID-19 as measured by testing positivity rates, hospitalizations, and ICU rates. Additionally, health officials are warning that a second wave of the virus may lead to a significant increase in hospitalizations beginning this month. These factors are further compounded with the onset of what is expected to be a serious flu season that may complicate contact tracing.
Due to these factors, staff is recommending that AUSD schools remain in Distance Learning through January 29, 2021, and that conditions be re-evaluated in mid-January to determine if it is safe to re-open.
During public comments, 63 comments were in favor of continuing Distance learning while just 3 comments were in favor of in person learning.
Trustee Ellie Householder sought how the Superintendent and District cabinet are evaluating this ongoing pandemic and evaluating whether to reopen or not.
Anello explained they have been having weekly meetings with the county, been following the county health data and the CDC and relevant legislation. She further noted how the District regularly talks about pros and cons with staff on opening.
Householder then stated she was in agreement with the recommendation.
Trustee Mary Rocha asked if they were going to look at the hybrid model in the future.
Anello replied that is something that they will need to negotiate—but some families still will not feel safe, so they will have to offer both in person and distance learning.
Board President Diane Gibson-Gray called for the vote. The Board then voted 5-0 in favor of the Superintendents recommendation.
3 comments
What a shame. To think the Coronavirus has been with us and in the schools since January or maybe even before. But hey, our overlords know what’s best.
If you give government monopolies enough rope……..they will out themselves. case in point! with this plandemic they let the cat out of the bag…..kinda lets you know that homeschooling is a viable option and makes government schools irrelevant.
Yes, home schooling is an option. Whether it’s a preferable option is another question. Many parents lack the time, skills and (sometimes) the motivation to provide adequate home schooling.
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