Solano County Office of Education “watching and waiting”

The Solano County Office of Education said officials are in the “watch and wait” mode as the county shifts into a less stringent level on the state’s COVID-19 framework.

The downgrade from purple to red tier was announced Tuesday by the state Department of Public Health.

Should the county maintain red status for 14 consecutive days, Solano schools could return to inperson instruction.

Currently, local schools must operate via distance learning.

Should the county maintain its status for 14 consecutive days, schools could choose to return to classroom instruction or maintain distance learning, officials said. School districts will make the final decision, with input from Solano Public Health, school boards and community stakeholders such as families, staff, and labor partners.

“Districts will continue to communicate directly with parents and guardians regarding future plans and instructional options available,” school officials said in a press statement.

“Administrators across the county recognize that there is no universal approach for returning to inperson instruction. Instructional plans may vary from district to district based upon the needs of each community,” said Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette EstrellaHenderson. “Schools have worked hard on progressing to a point that enables them to consider reopening campuses for students, and they will continue to keep putting student and staff safety first.”

Should campuses reopen, staff and students will still need to follow public health protocols including wearing masks and maintaining six feet of physical distance during school activities.

As well, schools will need to have “robust plans” that address “positive COVID-19 cases or community surges, ensure adequate personal protective equipment for students and staff, maintain physical and social distancing, provide routine cleaning and disinfecting, address employee issues, and effectively communicate updates and prevention strategies with students, parents, and staff.”

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) serves as a liaison and support for local schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. SCOE facilitates weekly meetings between local school district/charter administrators and Solano County health officials to provide updates about local health conditions, and discuss plans and strategies to mitigate risks to students and staff when campuses reopen. These weekly briefings will continue for several months. SCOE also provides updates and web resources regarding the latest guidance and health orders, communication and representation with state and local agencies, and support documents for local schools like the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Reopening Schools During COVID-19, a collaboration between Solano Public Health and SCOE. For those districts that opt to return to in-person instruction, SCOE will likely provide contact tracing support as well.

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) provides leadership, support, and fiscal oversight for Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Travis, Vacaville, and Vallejo City school districts, which serve approximately 64,000 students. Solano County Superintendent of Schools, Lisette EstrellaHenderson is elected by voters of Solano County. The Superintendent is a state constitutional officer who serves as the chief executive officer of SCOE and as a liaison between local school districts and the state.