The Oregon City School District Board of Directors approved a resolution to start the 2020-21 school year in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and delayed any transition to a hybrid model of instruction no earlier than Nov. 11, 2020.

“This decision was difficult and heart wrenching,” said Superintendent Larry Didway. “We all agree: kids need to be in school. There is no adequate replacement for in-person learning that can better support student growth, development and overall wellness.”

Board members expressed strong support for the move, while at the same time acknowledging the heavy burden the decision places on the many families who rely upon school for childcare and academic support while working.

“We owe it to our families to give them as much time as we can to make the necessary arrangements to make this workable,” Board Chair Martha Spiers told the other school board members. “We have to turn our focus now to making the best of this terrible situation and providing the best on-line learning experience we can while doing what we can to mitigate the inevitable inequities. It will take a village.”

The school board cited a recent surge in community spread of the COVID-19 virus and information from local health authorities to determine that schools would not plan to physically open in the fall. Their decision was affirmed by the strict health and safety standards for in-person instruction released by the Governor on Tuesday, July 28, making it likely most schools in Oregon will begin the school year online.

“It is a devastating reality. However, the schools must ensure a safe environment for students, staff, families and the community,” said Didway.

Oregon City School District will remain in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model through Nov. 11, 2020 for the first grading period. If the state and region can meet the new health standards by then, the district will consider transitioning to allow some in-person instruction.