Community Update

Update for Parents, Students, & Community Stakeholders

June 12, 2020

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) released the Reopening Washington's Schools District Planning Guide yesterday, June 11, 2020.  This document provides Washington school districts the required guidance and rules to be followed as school reopening plans are implemented this fall.  These requirements come from OSPI, the Washington Department of Health, and the Governor's Office, informed by a workgroup of statewide education stakeholders.

All of us at South Bend School District desire to have our students back.  We do not desire to see our schools closed as we experienced these last four months.  Though school closure is a direct result of state directives from the governor's office intended to keep students safe, we are hopeful we can develop safe, acceptable plans that allow us to open this fall.  Please understand that our plans must be approved by the health department and align with state guidelines.

South Bend School District administrators and staff are currently in the process of reviewing the OSPI planning guide and will be working with teachers, staff, and school stakeholders to create a school plan for each of the governor's Safe Start Phases, including contingency plans to implement mid-year should we be required to respond to specific health concerns.  

 As we plan, the following will be at the center of our efforts:

1.  Student and staff safety will be the priority.  We are working with the Pacific County Health Department in conjunction with other county school districts to help ensure school planning and implementation conforms to required health guidelines.  I am hopeful this group will also bring consistency between South Bend and neighboring school districts.

2.  Student learning, health, and well-being will continue to be our mission.  Decisions and actions will be centered on what is best for all students.  

3.  We will support staff and provide what is needed to meet instructional requirements.  We are committed to providing the materials, training and support that is needed to help with new modes of instruction, and we will make intentional, informed decisions to be sure our educational programs are the best possible. 

Please know that as we receive further instructions from OSPI and the health department, we will adjust our plans accordingly and communicate needed changes.  We will also adapt our plans as we develop more effective means and efficiencies.  We recognize and acknowledge that parents, families, students, community members, and school staff have both individual and shared concerns and viewpoints with regards to the covid-19 pandemic.  Though there may be differences in some of these concerns and viewpoints, we all share the important commonality of desiring the best possible outcomes for our students.  I encourage all to engage with us as we approach the 2020-2021 school year, and communicate any questions, ideas, or concerns.  

Please feel free to contact me directly at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org, or at 875-6041 with any questions.  Thank you for your patience as we continue to work in these times.

Jon Tienhaara

Superintendent