The Bakersfield City School District is inching closer to bringing some students back to classrooms for in-person learning as soon as this month. The district's board of trustees held a special meeting to discuss details on how special education students would be able to return to the classroom.
"The purpose of [Thusday night's] special board meeting study session is to really give the board and the community an in-depth overview of our return to school plan for small cohorts and after the board has had an opportunity to ask questions any questions that they have we will then ask the board for the approval of the plan," said Doc Ervin, superintendent of the Bakersfield City School District.
Phase one of the plan includes bringing back small groups of special needs students starting October 19th. Since special education students are the first to come back the district is asking that families have the students practice wearing their masks before they return to school in person.
There are four total phases to bring back groups of students.
- Phase 1 includes instruction that is focused on all self-contained special education programs with a target return school date of October 19.
- Phase 2 looks at support services for foster youth and homeless students with a target return school date of November 2. Luque says students who feel more comfortable can opt for full distance learning with this option.
- Phase 3 would focus on elementary school students who are English learners with a target return to school date of January 4.
- Phase 4 would include the remainder of the students.
However, it does not have a start date because it's contingent upon local health conditions. Kern County would have to be in tier 2, or the Red Tier, for 14 consecutive days to start phase 4.
Deputy Superintendent Mark Luque says finalized plans with transportation, nutrition, and maintenance departments will be finalized in the near future.
