Efforts are in high gear, as Pasco County Schools prepares for the coming 2020-2021 school year.
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has said the district will announce its comprehensive plan for the upcoming school year on or before July 1.
In light of continuing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the district must take precautions it hasn’t had to take in previous years.
In preparation for developing its plan, it has hosted focus groups, conducted a survey and used a tool called Thought Exchange, which drew participation from thousands of people.
“You let us know what you thought and we listened,” Browning said, in a video posted on the school district’s website.
“Several themes came through, loud and clear,” Browning said.
“Many parents and staff expect and welcome a return to a traditional school setting in the fall.
“You want a safe and healthy learning environment.
“You want us to provide options because not everyone feels comfortable, returning to the school campus or to the workplace.
“You want online learning to include more opportunities for students to interact directly with their teachers.
“You want us to ensure that there are clear rules and procedures for when a child becomes sick and that those rules are enforced. You want more mental health resources for students and staff. And, you want to have opportunities to experience all of the things that make for a rewarding school experience, including all of the extracurricular activities that make school fun.”
Browning said the district remains focused on “providing a world-class education and closing the achievement gap.”
It also needs “to ensure that our classrooms and workspaces are regularly cleaned and have a plan in place to replenish soap and cleaning supplies.
“Our plan has to be flexible to meet the varying needs of students and staff. It also needs to be consistent and predictable at all grade levels and worksites.
“As they say, the devil is in the details,” so the district has several work groups focused on working out those details, he said.
At a Pasco School Board meeting on June 2, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, expressed appreciation for being invited to take part in district focus groups to brainstorm about concerns and offer suggestions.
As the district moves toward the goal of returning to brick-and-mortar sites, Peace asked district officials to continue welcoming input from the union.
“Please allow us to continue in conversations that will help evolve how this plays out.”
The union leader also noted that he’s heard from parents and employees who are concerned about returning to school campuses.
“Whether real or imagined, the fear some people have will drive decisions regarding school and work attendance,” Peace said.
Published June 17, 2020
