Byron Union School District

June 14, 2020

BUSD Families, 

BUSD continues to plan how best to provide instruction to students for the 2020-2021 school year. The District anticipates receiving further guidance from the Contra Costa Health Department, which will be an important tool for our continued planning. We have several meetings this coming week and will share with the Board of Education on Thursday, June 18, a report based on the most current information available. This presentation will identify the need for flexibility as conditions change, and will focus on the reopening models for the 2020-2021 school year. This is an opportunity for Trustees to review, ask questions, and consider all models. The public will also have an opportunity to provide input. 

Please know that any model that is selected will require the evaluation of staffing needs, including but not limited to, addressing logistics and questions that arise. We have placed the results from our parent survey on our district website. 

Thank you for all the input you have provided thus far. Please look for additional opportunities to give your opinions as we move closer to finalizing plans.              

Sincerely, 

Reyes Gauna, Ed.D., Superintendent

End of Year Update

As we near the end of the 2019-20 school year, we know that our staff, parents and students are eager to receive information regarding the start of the 2020-21 school year. We have been monitoring health information and guidelines, gathering input from the County Office of Education, Health Department, Staff and the State Superintendent’s office, and discussing plans in order to present information to the Board of Education. Recently, our district created a district Reopening Task Force to evaluate and plan for the 2020-2021 school year. 

During our board meeting on June 18, 2020, we will present to the Board of Education a summary of the work the task force has completed, including parent feedback and input.

Considerations for the Structure of School for 2020-2021

· The Board will consider various structures such as Distance Learning, in-person instruction with smaller groups of students in class at one time, and hybrids of these models.

· The Task Force committees are discussing issues and options regarding the start of school.

Budget Consideration

Unfortunately, the governor’s May Revision of the state budget proposal brought dire news and all districts in California are preparing for significant revenue reductions. This will be a factor in decisions related to starting the school year.

Next Steps

As stated above, we will be hosting a Study Session on June 18, 2020, prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting via Zoom. The Study Session will provide an opportunity for Board Members to discuss the work of the Task Force, review input from families and staff, and hear further information regarding the budget. Although no action may be taken, the Board can give staff direction and determine a timeline for decisions. There will be time for the public to provide input.

Byron USD recognizes that there are a wide range of opinions regarding the 2020-21 school year and that decisions will have a broad impact on the lives of our staff, parents, and students. The Board of Education takes this matter very seriously and is committed to making thoughtful decisions.

We have develop a survey, Family Return to School 2020-2021 Survey, for parents and families to complete – the following is the link for the survey: 

English: Link

Spanish: Link

Staff and parent input is always appreciated. Please feel free to email any comments or questions to me directly at rgauna@byron.k12.ca.us. 

Although the structure of next year is uncertain at this point, I know that Byron USD will provide outstanding service to our community regardless of the circumstances.

Thank you,

Reyes Gauna, Ed.D., Superintendent

Janitor to superintendent Dr. Reyes Gauna view the interview with CBS below