CCSD Board of School Trustees meeting recap, July 21

Agenda Item 3.01 – Reopening Schools Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year

The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of School Trustees unanimously approved the school reopening plan recommendation presented by CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara and staff to move to full-time distance education for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.

The Board added provisions to receive health and wellness updates every 30 days before determining a return to hybrid or face-to-face instruction. Where applicable, schools in rural communities can return to face-to-face or hybrid education if they follow all state and health and safety guidelines and meet certain health and safety criteria. The Reopening Our Schools plan also allows for hybrid telecommuting for district staff and licensed professionals where and when possible.

The recommendation to begin the school year with full-time distance education when students return on August 24 was based on statistical data and trends in Clark County regarding the impact of COVID-19 and the information provided by local health officials.

Reference materials on this agenda item can be found here.

Agenda Item 3.02 – Required Staff Professional Development

Superintendent Jara and staff presented the CCSD Board of School Trustees with professional learning opportunities for District staff when they return on Wednesday, August 5. The proposal includes professional development opportunities during the period of August 5 to August 21. The professional development will allow licensed staff, support professionals and administration to learn in person, through telework or hybrid telework.

The CCSD Board of Trustees voted 5-1 to approve the hybrid teleworking model to allow for choice in how they participate in the required staff professional development. School principals will work with staff to provide additional information on participation in professional development opportunities.

Reference materials on this agenda item can be found here.

Agenda Item 3.03 – Instructional Scheduling for Secondary Students

CCSD Board of School Trustees heard a presentation from District staff regarding instructional scheduling for secondary students. The discussion focused on how courses could be structured during the 2020-21 school year. Options include the previously discussed semester-based courses, traditional year-long courses and year-long courses with school discretion for six to eight courses.

The Board voted 4-2 to move forward with the traditional year-long courses with school discretion for high schools and semester-based courses for middle schools.

Reference materials on this agenda item can be found here.