Letter from Superintendent Ron Lorenz on Return to Learn Plan Revisions
October 8, 2020
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We want you to be aware of potential revisions to the district’s “return-to-learn” plan that would place restrictions
on students participating in remote learning and require students to wear face coverings throughout the school day
except lunch. The Red Oak Board of Education will consider these measures during its regularly scheduled meeting
on Monday, October 12, 2020.
In monitoring the implementation of our “return-to-learn” plan, we have seen a disproportionate number of remote
learners struggling in the virtual setting. We have tried to provide families as much flexibility as possible to select
the instructional model that is best for their children, but too many of our remote learners are falling further and
further behind. Therefore, we are recommending the Board limit remote learning to students who have a legitimate
medical reason or other extenuating circumstances. If the Board approves this recommendation, parents who want
their students to continue learning remotely must provide a doctor’s note verifying their child or an immediate
family member has a medical condition that precludes them from physically attending school. Parents may also
obtain special permission from their building principal allowing their child(ren) to participate in remote learning due
to rare and unusual circumstances. This will have no immediate impact on our current schedule as it will not
eliminate remote learning.
We will also recommend the Board require all students to wear face coverings throughout the school day. On
September 29, Governor Kim Reynolds issued revised guidance stating that individuals who come in close contact
with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine for fourteen days so long as
both individuals were wearing appropriate face coverings during the exposure. Given this guidance, a face covering
mandate will streamline our contact tracing efforts, enable us to keep more students in school and minimize
potential disruptions for families.
Pending Board approval, restrictions on remote learning will go into effect at the beginning of the second quarter.
Students who are not approved for virtual instruction will be required to return to school, in accordance with
compulsory attendance requirements, no later than October 26, 2020. Pending Board approval, a mask mandate will
go into effect on Thursday, October 15, 2020. It is important to note that face coverings must consist of multiple
layers of fabric to be sufficient under the new guidelines. Face shields, neck “gaiters” scarves, or bandanas are not
currently considered “appropriate” face coverings.
We appreciate your support as we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. Please know that we will
continue to monitor the implementation of our “return-to-learn” plans and make revisions as circumstances change
and new information becomes available. We ask for your grace as we seek to do what is best for all students and
district stakeholders.
Respectfully,
Ron Lorenz
Superintendent