Colleagues:

I understand the heavy weight that is placed on you and our entire community as we await our updated weekly case rates from the Minnesota Department of Health. The case rate method was revealed on July 30, and is used as guidance in the recommended learning model for Minnesota’s schools.

Last Thursday, the case rate for Ramsey County was 31.03 per 10,000 people - higher than the readiness target we set at 30 cases per 10,000 people. In addition, the state of Minnesota saw record-breaking new cases on consecutive days. We had heard scientists point to the possibility of a fall surge of the virus, and by all measures that surge is here.

Friday’s decision to hold off on Stages 2, 3 and 4 of hybrid learning until at least Jan. 19 was gut wrenching. It was, perhaps, one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my career. My heart, my passion and my commitment to kids and our staff all drive me to do everything possible to get students and teachers back into the classroom. My head, along with the data, tells me it’s not safe to do so. Not yet.

Other school districts that began the year in hybrid learning are now dialing back and implementing distance learning. Some announced they were going from hybrid to distance learning, only to reverse their decision days later. Every district is unique, but I can promise you, my fellow Superintendents and our leaders all want the same thing: to get students and teachers back to where they belong, in the classroom. And do it safely.

Now that we’ve made the difficult decision to stay in distance learning until at least Jan. 19, our efforts must continue to be focused on keeping our students and staff in Stage 1, at our Academic Support Center, Essential Kids Care/Discovery Club, Nutrition Services and Transportation, Facilities, Technology Services, and all other staff currently working in person, safe and supported. Our other readiness targets are being monitored and improved; and we will double-down on our work to make distance learning the best possible experience it can be.

I urge all of us to not let up on improving distance learning. You have all worked so hard to make distance learning better since last spring, and I know you will continue working to support our students and families as you always do.

Thank you for your continuing efforts on behalf of our SPPS community. Please stay safe, wear a mask, and remember to vote on or before November 3.

In partnership,

Joe Gothard, Superintendent