February 8, 2021
Dear Springfield Public Schools Community,
I hope that this letter finds you well, settled nicely into the routine of Cohort A/B/C, and with an outlook for 2021 as a year filled with great possibility.
The Springfield Board of Education remains committed to supporting the district’s current model of instruction, offering both hybrid and virtual learning options for our students. We have all come to understand the need during this time to be able to make educational decisions that are best for each of our families, and recognize that flexibility allows our students to learn in an environment that enables them to be both comfortable and successful.
In an effort to align our Board of Education meeting structure with the operations of the current instructional model, the Board will begin its own transition into a hybrid model of operation, beginning with our next meeting on February 8.
Therefore, the Superintendent, Board Secretary, President and Vice President will return in person to the Jonathan Dayton High School IMC, while the other Board members and district administrators participate remotely along with the public, as we begin this process in charting new waters: testing technology, working through the challenges, and minimizing interruptions in our meeting connectivity. We have been so incredibly impressed with the ability of our teachers and students to manage the hybrid model that we aspire to follow their lead in implementing our own new format.
Moving forward, we will extend our in-person meetings to include the full board, while the public continues to participate remotely, allowing the option for virtual or physical attendance for Board members based on individual decision-making, in consideration of the health and safety of all participants - a truly hybrid approach. Finally, when we are able to safely do so, we will invite the public to join us for in-person meetings.
The Board’s goal is to create a meeting environment that continues its commitment to transparency and effective communication while mirroring our students’ classrooms. This approach allows the flexibility of members to contribute and lead from the place where they are most comfortable based on their individual circumstances. The hybrid structure will also permit any necessary pivots between in-person and virtual participation, giving Board members the opportunity to connect seamlessly with each other and the community at large.
Board members and administrators attending meetings in person will follow the same safety precautions as our staff and students, including completing the district’s health questionnaire, temperature scanning, mask wearing and social distancing.
As we remain vigilant with regard to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board will continue to act in a manner that ensures consistency and continuity for our district in the months and years to come.
I thank you for your partnership, your trust, and as always, your support as our amazing educators continue to provide the safest and most meaningful learning experiences possible for your children in this unique time. I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Laura Gamarekian
President, Springfield Board of Education