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J.O. Combs not to reopen for in-person classes Aug. 17 as planned

Posted 8/15/20

J.O. Combs Unified School District will not reopen Monday as planned because of a large number of staff absences for Aug. 17 citing health and safety concerns, Dr. Gregory A. Wyman, superintendent, …

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J.O. Combs not to reopen for in-person classes Aug. 17 as planned

Posted

J.O. Combs Unified School District will not reopen Monday as planned because of a large number of staff absences for Aug. 17 citing health and safety concerns.

In a letter to parents. district Superintendent Gregory A. Wyman said the district would not have classes eitehr in-person or virtually startin on Monday.

The JOCUSD Governing Board this week approved starting in-person instruction on Aug. 17. The district’s geographical area covers 68 square miles, bounded by Pecos Road to the north, Moeur/Meridian Road to the west, Hash Knife Draw Road to the south, and extending east to Florence Junction.

“In response to this week’s Governing Board decision to resume in-person instruction on Monday, we have received an overwhelming response from staff indicating that they do not feel safe returning to classrooms with students. In response, we have received a high volume of staff absences for Monday citing health and safety concerns,” Dr. Wyman said in the letter.

“Due to these insufficient staffing levels, schools will not be able to re-open on Monday as planned. This means that all classes, including virtual learning, will be canceled. At this time, we do not know the duration of these staff absences, and cannot yet confirm when in-person instruction may resume. We will continue to monitor the situation and will share an update no later than 5 p.m. on Monday,” he said.

Breakfast and lunch meal service for students will be available for pick up at all elementary schools between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. After-school and extracurricular activities are canceled, but transportation will be provided for students going to classes at EVIT.

“Please know that we are acutely aware of how polarizing this issue is, and how challenging these ongoing developments are for our entire community. We will continue to work closely with our employees and our families to develop solutions that provide a safe and healthy return to school,” Dr. Wyman said.