Decision Making that Makes Sense

During this time of extreme disruption in everyday life, no person, family, business, or institution has escaped some impact. The COVID-19 global pandemic has both short and long-term ramifications. With these disruptions and the ever-changing progression of the disease, effective decision making has been a challenge, to put it mildly.  

Almost daily, parents and community members offer feedback about the school’s “delay” in making a final decision regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year. That feedback is understandable and expected; families need time to plan. I get that. The anxiety and stress of the uncertainties we are facing are causing legitimate concerns for families. Noting that, making a premature decision sets up the likely scenario of getting it wrong. Saline Schools strives for excellence in all that we do. During this time of a global pandemic, we must make informed decisions in the best interest of the students and staff. Some of the largest and most prominent school districts in the country are back-tracking on earlier plans to reopen. As anticipated, parents in these districts are frustrated with the flip-flop just weeks before the scheduled school start date.

Saline Area Schools’ leadership team is reviewing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Michigan Department of Education, the Washtenaw County Health Department, and the county school Superintendents. Saline’s building-level administrators and teacher leaders have met throughout the summer to develop instructional plans that are viable and safe for students and staff. Custodial staff undergoes training to ensure that the buildings are clean, sanitized, and ready to welcome students if and when that happens. Transportation and support staff are redesigning busing and classroom spaces to ensure the safety and welfare of all children. This work is on-going and flexible as the guidance changes.

An announcement regarding the plan for safely educating Saline’s most precious assets is forthcoming. We appreciate your patience as we develop strategies that are adequate, safe, and sustainable. Many Saline Area Schools’ staff members are working diligently to be as prepared as possible for a myriad of scenarios that might occur.