Dear School Directors,
The responsibilities that come with serving on the school board can feel heavy, even under normal circumstances. With the decisions that have been made and will continue to be made due to the coronavirus, we understand the pressure you may be feeling. But true to our mission, WSSDA is here to do whatever we can to support you in being a successful leader.
Today, Governor Inslee announced the closure of all public schools within Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties. We want to remind our members that for the time being the decision to close schools outside of these three counties remains a local decision between districts and county health authorities. WSSDA will stand by to support districts if/when those decisions are made, be it locally or by mandate.
Steps we’re taking
First, we are closely following the actions of Governor Inslee and keeping an open line of communication with our partners at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and our educational partner organizations.
Second, we are trying to anticipate the needs and challenges that school directors may be confronted by as the coronavirus situation evolves. Within the next few days, WSSDA will send out a model resolution that local boards may use to temporarily adjust policies to efficiently align them with state guidance issued by OSPI, the Governor’s Office, the DOH, as well as other state and federal agencies.
Steps for you to consider
First, we recommend that all school directors remain aware of and review guidance posted by OSPI, DOH, and your local health districts. To help with this, we’re collecting information from OSPI, DOH, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and including it in our daily eClippings service. (See wssda.org/eClippings).
Second, you may need to hold special board meetings very soon, so we’re attaching guidance documents to help you do that according to the requirements of state law (see RCW 42.30.080). Please see this guidance from Washington’s Office of Attorney General. This guidance addresses temporary changes to the way that you conduct board meetings, which you may need to consider.
Third, it is important to maintain clear and consistent communications with your community. To that end, districts will need to bear in mind that federal and state nondiscrimination laws require that schools communicate with parents about school closure in a language parents can understand. (See Title VI Regulations | Chapter 28A.642 RCW | Chapter 392-190 WAC)
In closing, your leadership during this crisis will be crucial in helping your school district realize the best possible outcome. More than ever, we’re reminded of the importance of school directors working together as an effective and collaborative board-superintendent team. Your strength as a team will help you answer tough questions and make difficult decisions that account for the best interests of every corner of your community. Together, you will succeed, and WSSDA staff will support you in every way that we can.
Sincerely yours,
Tim Garchow
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