District returning to remote learning for now

Cites health department advice

Kirtland Schools Superintendent Chad VanArnhem announced on Jan. 24 that all grades would be returning to remote learning starting Jan. 25 until at least Feb. 3 due to a distinct rise in confirmed coronavirus cases among students and staff.

VanArnhem said they sought consultation with local health department officials before making their decision.

Students had recently returned to a hybrid learning model on Jan. 11 after being fully remote since the end of November. Middle and high school students attended in-person classes two days a week, and elementary students were following a half-day format.

In an announcement sent out to Kirtland families, VanArnhem said the concern in virus transmission rates caused him to consult with Lake County General Health District Commissioner Ron Graham, who recommended the district move to remote learning and pause all extracurricular activities for the next 10 days.

“I deeply apologize for this continued back and forth with our modalities,” VanArnhem said in the announcement. “I understand this is extremely difficult on work schedules and daily life. With the information that I became aware of late this afternoon [Jan. 24], I felt it necessary to consult with health department.

“I will continue to make decisions in consultation with health officials to best ensure the safety of our students, staff and community.”

As of Jan. 25, the district reported on their COVID-19 case dashboard that there were 32 active student cases and seven active cases among staff.

VanArnhem stated that they will be continuing to monitor the situation along with the health department, and will determine over the next 10 days if the district will return to hybrid format.