In Wasco, mostly questions for next school year

It’s clear that the next school year is still up in the air – both physically and fiscally – as the WUESD board discussed the status of the district post-pandemic Tuesday night

In an email after the meeting, Wasco Union Elementary School District Superintendent Kelly Richers said that the district is unsure where it stands for the next school year financially.

“If the cost of living adjustment is met (Legislature proposal), we cannot release any certificated employees,” Richers said. “If the cost of living adjustment is not reached (the governor's proposed budget), then we can release teachers to save money.”

Richers added that not having an agreement on which way the state is going freezes any personnel decisions the district might want to make.

“We still anticipate school will start in some fashion August 10,” Richers said. “Everything else must wait for this.”

Richers is proposing that students attend one day a week and distance learn the other four.

“But no real decision has been made on that yet, pending the budget and health officials’ decisions on attendance,” Richers said.

While the school district continues to hold its monthly board meetings and the board members and administration are practicing safe distancing, it’s a difficult situation to deal with in limited space.

“The district keeps minutes of each meeting and the agendas are posted,” Richers said. “Due to social distancing, there is only room for 10 people inside the boardroom. Five board members, union representative, Richers and [teachers association union representative David] Vaughn for recording notes leaves spots for two people in the room. If the CFO has budget to give, that leaves room for only one spot in the room.”

Richers said that anyone is welcome to come and sit wherever there is socially distancing space.

He also said that Zoom is not a practical option due to the ability and access constraints with the board.

“The district does record every meeting, “Richers said. “We do not and never have tape recorded.”