Upcoming school board meetings to refine learning models

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Officials at districts that govern schools in Menifee continue to develop plans for the reopening of schools in early August, recognizing that constant changes in state and county health guidelines make such planning a challenge. At least two districts have board meetings planned in the next week to consider proposals.

Perris Union High School District announced last week it that will offer two forms of instruction to students – full-time classroom learning with modifications for safety, and full-time distance learning. Unlike the two elementary school districts in Menifee, which are still considering a third “hybrid” model of learning, PUHSD will not offer a form of mixed classroom-online instruction, according to its most recent announcement.

District board members are scheduled to approve staff’s recommendation regarding the learning models at a special meeting on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting is not open to the public, but residents may watch the meeting online at this link. Members of the public may submit comments beginning Wednesday at 3 p.m. for reading at the meeting via email at this link.

On its Facebook page, PUHSD provided basic information on the two proposed learning models. Students will be emailed a registration link, and those wishing to enroll in distance learning are urged to register online by July 10 to ensure priority consideration. Under that plan, students would be required to participate in online class activities five days a week and “interact with the learning content” 25+ hours per week “to be on target for proficiency in the grade level standards.”

According to the announcement, on-campus instruction will take place in “traditional class sizes” with modifications to “limit student interaction as much as possible in the face-to-face setting.”

Candace Reines, deputy superintendent of PUHSD, said a decision regarding the wearing of facemasks will depend on health guidelines at the time. School opens Aug. 5 for Paloma Valley and Heritage high schools.

“This will be determined by state and local authorities and based on guidance at that time,” Reines said. “PUHSD does not plan to require face coverings if we’re not mandated to do so.”

Officials in the Menifee Union School District and Romoland School District will also wait for the latest health guidelines before announcing rules regarding facemasks. Both are continuing to study the feasibility of the third option of hybrid learning – two days per week of classroom learning and three days per week online.

MUSD, which is scheduled to begin instruction on Aug. 12, has task forces meeting to study the specifics of three learning models – full-time classroom instruction with modifications; full-time distance learning; and the hybrid learning model.

“The decision to offer a hybrid [model] has not been made as of yet,” an MUSD official stated in response to a question on the district Facebook page today. “The governing board will hear the outcome of each task force at an upcoming meeting, will consider other factors such as mandated guidelines, and make their decision. Then all parents will be notified what options will be offered.”

MUSD has scheduled a meeting for July 14 to consider the results of the task force’s studies. An announcement about public access to the meeting has not yet been made. In previous meetings, residents have been urged to watch online. If that is the case, Menifee 24/7 will provide the link to the online broadcast and a process for submitting public comments.

Romoland School District has posted an informational video on its Facebook page with information about the three learning models. The Board of Trustees’ next meeting date has not yet been posted. School in that district begins Aug. 6.