TUSD leaders: Distance learning to continue until fall semester’s end
Board will take up second-semester option at its meeting in Fairfield
Travis Unified leaders on Tuesday decided to continue distance learning for the remainder of the semester for the more than 5,000 students in the Fairfield district, which operates two elementary schools in Vacaville.
As the pandemic continues, with cases rising in many states and across the globe, the governing board will decide at its Dec. 15 meeting whether to continue with the learning model, district officials indicated in a press release sent to The Reporter on Wednesday.
Trustees made their decision based on data, including current COVID-19 activity, and the result of a recent survey of families, students, and staff.
The survey had a participation rate of 66 percent for students, 88 percent for families, 91 percent of teachers, and 67 percent for other staff, according to data cited in the prepared statement.
“We very much appreciate the overwhelming response to our most recent survey,” said Board President Iver y Hood. “We know with families and students being nearly split between being comfortable to return or not, this decision may not be favorable for many.”
“While the Board is anxious for students to return to campuses,” he continued, “we feel that continuing in distance learning through first semester is the best way to keep everyone safe.”
In addition to the survey results about a return to in-person learning, the district gathered information that included current virus activity in Solano County, current attendance rate of our students, some assessment data, and input from all stakeholders, the release indicated.
The district will continue to provide meals to children, including weekend meals, at Foxboro, Cambridge, both elementary schools in Va ca ville, Center Elementary, and Vanden High School. Meals are distributed from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Safety measures, such as the wearing of personal protective equipment, aka PPE, sanitizer stations, air filters, purifiers, and social- distancing signs also will continue to be placed at all school sites in preparation of students’ eventual return to campuses.
In the meantime, district leaders said that the return to in-person learning will be made easier if Travis Unified community members continues to practice healthy habits, hand hygiene, appropriate mask-wearing, and limits attendance at large gatherings as much as possible.
For more information, including information about the district’s distance learning and reopening plans, visit travisusd.org.