Dear OUSD Community,
As next week’s Board of Education meeting approaches, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Trustees, Ana Page (Area 3) and Angie Rumsey (Area 6). Their first meeting, which will be live-streamed for public viewing, will take place on Tuesday, December 15. Since this-coming meeting is on a Tuesday, the agenda will be posted on Saturday. As is customary, public comments will be accepted for the 48 hours preceding the meeting, starting at noon on Sunday and ending at noon on Tuesday. Links to the agendas and more are on the OUSD website at https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/board-of-education/agendas.
We have received numerous messages from our staff, families, and community about our COVID-19 Dashboard, as well as our athletic schedules, and I would like to address both topics publicly.
The OUSD COVID-19 Dashboard was designed to provide our community with information identifying confirmed student and staff COVID-19 cases on school campuses and at OUSD facilities while maintaining Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. While we have worked diligently to keep data current, some concerns have been brought up regarding accuracy and transparency. District staff is currently working to adjust the Dashboard to address the issues that have been noted and will always provide the most update and accurate information. Orange County’s COVID-19 Dashboard, including cumulative data, is available at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/coronavirus-in-oc
Many parents and community members have also been reaching out to me regarding the CIF State Office’s announced cancellation of all Regional and State Championship events from the Fall Season Sports calendar. Unfortunately, this situation is beyond our control and sports competitions are on hold until new youth sports guidance is provided. During the new Regional Stay at Home Order, the District’s athletic programs continue to operate sports conditioning and training. We eagerly await updated youth sports guidance from the California Department of Public Health and look forward to allowing our athletes to compete as soon as it is permitted. In the meantime, we must continue to follow public health guidance as we wait for an update. While the Board of Education can choose to enact more restrictive policies than state and county guidance indicates, they cannot create more liberal policies as this would be a violation of State Health Orders and result in potential closure of programs. As the parent of a student-athlete, I understand and share your frustrations. Current information from CIF suggests that an update to youth sports guidance can be expected early next year.
With the high number of community COVID-19 cases occurring in Orange County, it is important for everyone to continue to follow public health guidance. Please wear a mask, stay at least six feet from others, and frequently wash your hands. Together, we can help mitigate the spread of illness and move toward getting things back to normal.
