With several school districts scheduled to begin the second semester on Monday, January 4, Superintendent of Public Education Kathy Hoffman is asking Governor Ducey to determine a two-week distance learning period across the state to align with the quarantine protocols, citing the increase in the number of COVID and the current tension in our health system.
This is also because the AZDHS benchmarks recommend virtual learning for all counties in Arizona.
Several districts in Arizona made the decision to start the second semester remotely. However, districts such as Peoria Unified, Dysart Unified, Gilbert Public Schools, Chandler Unified, Higley Unified and Queen Creek Unified decided to continue face-to-face learning.
ABC15 has been monitoring developments in relation to potential “illnesses” in districts such as Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified, while educators express their concerns about face-to-face teaching.
In response to Hoffman’s request, CJ Karamargin with Governor Doug Ducey’s office said:
“Governor Ducey will not consider this request or issue this type of mandate. This is a local decision, the online option is now available and the governor has repeatedly made his preference clear: children have already lost a lot of learning, and he wants schools open, with safety. “
In a recent interview with Danielle Lerner of ABC15, Hoffman said he supports personal learning, if it can be done safely.
“I think you could have a situation where a school can have zero cases, teachers, students, zero cases, and if everyone is wearing a mask, which is mandatory, then I think it is a very low risk environment”, she said. . “I really think you could be so granular in your decision making by looking at school by school.”
On Saturday, Superintendent Hoffman went to Twitter to address his concerns.
This week, @azedschools provide additional information to school districts and licensed schools to assist public health authorities in the distribution of vaccines.
– Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) January 2, 2021
I expect a safe return of our teachers and students to the classroom. But now, we must do everything possible to help our healthcare professionals and keep our teachers and students safe.
– Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) January 2, 2021
After this two-week quarantine period, it will be imperative that school leaders use local health data and continue to work closely with local health authorities to decide the appropriate instructional model for their communities.
– Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) January 2, 2021