Courtesy of the Hollister School District:
The 2020 school year has been unprecedented in almost every way imaginable. The district has implemented distance learning since August 17, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 13, 2020 the Board of Trustees voted to extend distance learning through the end of December. Superintendent Diego Ochoa said, “Our Board adopted a process in which they would determine whether or not to reopen campuses in October and again in December. This process allows us the necessary time to evaluate COVID-19 data and make informed decisions.” It is now time for the district to reconsider when to open school campuses.
The safety and wellness of students, families and school personnel continue to be the highest priorities of the Hollister School District. Recently, San Benito County was one of 28 counties throughout California that moved back into the Purple Tier or “Widespread” due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Please know that the District is aware and concerned about the challenges that this creates for our families.
The Hollister School District recently surveyed the households of more than a thousand students and staff in regards to reopening campuses. The school district received results that strongly favor keeping campuses closed at least 30 days after our county enters the Red Tier. Superintendent Diego Ochoa said, “The survey results from our parents and staff demonstrate that the substantial majority of families want the district to take a cautious approach that safeguards their child’s health. As an educator of 22 years, it breaks my heart to see campuses closed but keeping them closed is the right thing to do at this time.”
The Board of Trustees will receive a presentation and recommendation on Tuesday December 8, 2020 during a Special Meeting. The Board will take action at that meeting to decide if and when to reopen campuses. For more information, please contact Superintendent Diego Ochoa at [email protected].
