DOWNEY — With the COVID-19 metrics reaching a number that would allow school districts in Los Angeles County to welcome back their elementary aged students, Downey Unified has set Monday, March 29, 2021 as the date that Early Childhood/Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade students will be transitioning back to campus in a Hybrid Model. Following the submission of their COVID Safety Plan the previous week, this decision was made during Tuesday night’s Special Board of Education meeting.  With this announcement, families will still have the option to continue with full Distance Learning for their elementary aged children.

“This was a collaborative decision and it is what makes Downey Unified great,” shared Mark Morris, Board of Education President. “We are a family. We look out for each other and we expect our children to get the best education possible and that has been first and foremost our goal.”

As data is still being gathered from the elementary Return to School Confirmation window that closed at midnight on Monday, an elementary Hybrid schedule has not been finalized. However, district officials announced during the meeting that this schedule will be shared with elementary families as soon as possible.

“We realize that this announcement prompts many questions,” expressed Superintendent Dr. John Garcia. “Over the coming weeks, families can expect multiple communications from the district as well as our respective elementary schools outlining our plans in much more detail.”

Due to the current metrics in Los Angeles County, secondary schools cannot reopen until the county enters into the Red Tier and the COVID-19 adjusted case rate is seven or less per 100,000.  During Tuesday night’s meeting, Downey Unified’s Assistant Superintendents of Educational Services, Dr. Brossmer and Dr. Shannon, voiced positivity as it relates to the potential return of middle and high school students, sharing that each week the adjusted case rate within the county continues to drop rapidly and, “we may be in the Red Tier in the next week or so.” 

In an update sent to both staff and families following the Board meeting, Garcia shared that as the district begins this new phase, there may be some bumps along the way. “I would be remiss if I did not mention that reopening in a Hybrid Model will have challenges.  There is no precedent for us to rely on; however, we have been working hard for this day and are looking forward to getting our students back on campus. As I have since the beginning of the year, I ask for everyone’s patience, grace and flexibility as we begin the process of welcoming our elementary students back and are hopeful that are secondary students are not far behind.”

Once Los Angeles County is within the Red Tier for two consecutive Tuesdays, districts are then in the appropriate tier to be eligible to reopen secondary schools. Once eligible, logistics and discussions will continue within the district as it relates to a Hybrid return date for Downey Unified middle and high school students.

On Monday, March 1, Los Angeles County began prioritizing education staff and vaccination appointments are now available to all educators, meaning all staff that work in a school district. There is no requirement that staff be fully vaccinated prior to returning to in-person instruction; however, this rollout across LA County, along with the district’s PIH partnership, means vaccinations will soon be available to all Downey Unified employees who wish to be vaccinated. There are no approved vaccines for children, so it is not a requirement that children be vaccinated.

The most up-to-date Return to School information and items related to COVID-19 can be found on the district’s website, web.dusd.net/coronavirus. Also, all Board of Education meeting information, as well as the Return to School presentations that are given during each meeting, can be found on their website under the Board of Education Agenda and Minutes page (web.dusd.net/board-meetings-agendas/).