BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern High School District Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to continue distance learning in the fall until Oct. 9. After that, schools will begin to phase into a hybrid plan, allowing 25% of students on campus. The board will then reconvene as to what will be done to get kids back into school.
The 2020-21 school year is set to begin on Aug. 12.
Associate Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Brenda Lewis said they believe a hybrid model is best for the upcoming school year, but based on recent COVID-19 trends in Kern County they recommended to the board that the school year begin with distance learning and incrementally move into a hybrid model.
During the presentation, Deputy Superintendent of Business Dr. Scott Cole discussed some of the changes they are recommending for schools.
Dr. Cole said passive and active monitoring will be an important part of the district's plan to reopening. The district will require students and staff monitor their own temperatures and symptoms at home. On campus, the district will monitor temperatures and symptoms through no-touch technology or thermal body scans.
Thermal body scan technology is already being tested at school sites to see if the technology will work during high temperatures, according to Dr. Cole.
Other changes recommended to school campuses are handwashing stations throughout the campus and especially at the front of campuses, the removal of drinking fountains and implementation of water bottle refilling stations, and disabling lockers.
The district is also looking to increase the custodial staff to help with the increased sanitation and cleaning procedures.
Dr. Cole said they are also recommending schools move to two lunch periods at every school to limit the number of students in each period. Schools will also no longer offer buffet-style meals. Instead, they will offer single prepackaged meals for students.
The board will reconvene on Aug. 3.
