SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Education adopted an action plan for the safe reopening of schools during a special meeting Thursday night, clearing the way for distance learning instruction to begin August 17.
The decision gives the district flexibility and the use of three models: distance learning, hybrid (only part of the students on campuses at one time), and traditional (full-time in-person) depending on the changing conditions and risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan is available at www.smjuhsd.k12.ca.us.
The board and administration also discussed specifics of the Governor’s multiple mandates and guidelines. The district is in the process of notifying families and staff.
The recently released guidelines require counties currently under the state’s watch list to provide distance learning until there is a steady decline in COVID-19 positive cases for fourteen (14) consecutive days.
Santa Barbara County is on the list due to a recent and steady increase in cases, according to the data from the Public Health Department. Once the county meets all the criteria, the district could be allowed, but not required, to return to in-person classes.
“We look forward to the eventual, safe return of our students,’’ said Superintendent Antonio Garcia. “In the meantime, our decision-making process as a district will continue to be driven by three principles: Safety for our students and staff, student learning and well-being, and equitable access to a quality educational program.”