Keppel considers extending distance learning

PEARBLOSSOM — Keppel Union School District could continue distance learning for the first part of the 2020-21 school year, or implement a hybrid model that includes distance learning and some students returning to the classroom.

Interim Superintendent Vishna Herrity conducted multiple conference calls with parents, teachers, and other district staff to get feedback on re-opening options Keppel trustees can consider.

Added to the complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for Keppel is that decisions need to be made about reopening as the district searches for a new superintendent.

Keppel Superintendent Ruben Zepeda died unexpectedly March 6. The Board named Herrity, former Daisy Gibson Elementary School Principal, as interim superintendent on March 18.

The Board hired The Cosca Group search firm to conduct a search for a new superintendent. The Board is expected to appoint a superintendent next month.

“I want that new superintendent to have an opportunity to have a say in whatever decisions are made,” Herrity said.

Keppel’s Board of Education

approved school calendars for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years at the May 28 meeting. School is scheduled to begin on Aug. 12 for the 2020-21 academic year.

“That doesn’t mean that everybody will physically be at the school. It just means that instruction, in some form, will begin at that time,” Herrity said.

The options include continuing with distance learning or implementing a hybrid model that blends distance learning with students on campus for some days.

“The Board hasn’t decided that yet,” Herrity said. “They will consider various options and eventually, at some point they’ll make that decision, probably when the new superintendent joins the district. I will do everything I can to assemble all that information to present documents to the Board to consider different models to reopen school.”

Assistant Superintendent Jesús Luna will give a presentation on the reopening of schools as well as the results of a parent and staff survey at Thursday’s meeting.

The regular session is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. via Google Hangouts webinar at https://meet. google.com/qzq-jeom-zcb

To join by phone, call (US) +1 407901-1839 PIN: 332 180 814#