February 1, 2021

From: Lauren Tracy

In the Board minutes dated October 19, during the Superintendent stated that the “number one goal is to get all students back in school as soon as possible.”  And that “the district is looking at relaxing some of the standards while not violating the guidelines of the NYS DOH”.  The Superintendent noted that WCSD has implemented more than what is being required by NYS.   While over four months has passed since this meeting, please advise as to what changes have been made in regards to bringing K-6 children back to school five days per week.

Thank you for your time.

RESPONSE:  Additional information will be forthcoming in our next educational update regarding our plans regarding our efforts to increase in-person instruction opportunities.

From: Lauren Tracy

In reviewing this Board’s responses to the community’s questions and concerns regarding bringing our children back to school five days a week, the Board references the COVID-19 NYS Department of Health Guidance.  Specifically, the Board stated that WCSD is subject to the constraints of the COVID-19 NYS Department of Health Guidance and that “If we were to bring in more students on a given day it would likely result in classrooms that cannot adhere to the social distancing guidelines.”  The COVID-19 NYS Department of Health Guidance states in its requirements that, “If social distancing is not possible, individuals must wear acceptable face coverings; excluding students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering.”  As face coverings are already required for all children and administrators in the school, please advise as to why social distancing is being used as one of the main reasons we are not bringing children back to school five days per week.

Thank you for your time.

RESPONSE: Additional information will be forthcoming in our next educational update regarding our plans regarding our efforts to increase in-person instruction opportunities.