Future of Wasco schools' 2021-2022 year uncertain

The Wasco Union Elementary School District discussed what the 2021-2022 school year could look like.

Superintendent Kelly Richer’s report discussed the problems with the incoming school year. “With reference to the COVID-19, nothing has changed since the Governor shut down the schools,” Richers said. “That makes opening the schools problematic using the current state-mandated guidelines. There is not room in a 960 square foot classroom for more than 12 students at one time.”

He added that it could mean there will have to be several shifts to get an entire class at the school. “That indicates severe limits on the total population at the school, also, in addition, transportation, lunch and other activities will have huge impacts to whether we are allowed to have sports or band or any other activity that involves gatherings,” he said. Richers then said that the district will be starting school August 10 in some form. “We are studying how to do a more-effective job with distance learning to be prepared,” Richers said.

Other matters discussed by the board were the approval of the Superintendent’s and Assistant Superintendents’ contracts extending them to the end of June 2022.

Additionally, the teachers’ and classified unions opened contract negotiations with the district.