Front Page, Lowell/Jasper/Fall Creek

Lowell School Board requests return to local control over COVID-19 pandemic-related safety measures

Share this article

By DEAN REA/correspondent/The Herald—The Lowell School Board passed a resolution Monday night requesting that the district be granted control over COVID-19 pandemic-related safety measures.

Citing a number of instances when masking and vaccine requirements imposed by Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon health authorities have unnecessarily ignored “local conditions,” the board unanimously passed the resolution, an issue that was raised during last month’s board meeting.

State-imposed guidelines have disrupted classroom instruction because of student and teacher absences, school officials reported.

Two hundred students are enrolled in junior and senior high, Principal Scott Yakovich said, and 189 are enrolled in kindergarten through sixth grade, said Principal Jessica Edgerton. Both figures are all-time highs.

Covid-19 regulations also have resulted in canceling and in rescheduling high school football and volleyball games, Yakovich said.

Among the issues cited in the board’s resolution: Masking and vaccinations, which the resolution states “present significant operational challenges for the district, including the potential loss of students and staff who oppose the mandates.”

The resolution concluded:

“Whereas, the operational challenges and potential staff shortages created by the masking and vaccination mandates may result in, among other impacts, an inability to operate a full-time, in-person, every school day during the 2021-2022 school year.

“Whereas, the board believes it is in the best interest of the district to retain local decision-making authority of the education of our children and pandemic-related safety measures based on conditions in the local community,

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, the educational needs of our students are put in jeopardy, the Lowell School Board requests the return of local control over pandemic-related safety measures to the district.”

Voting for the measure were Mike Galvin, board chairman, Dionne Plahn, Jason Prenevost and Jim Chapman. Suzanne Kintzley was absent.

Supt. Johnie Matthews, however, reminded board members during a previous meeting that the Lowell district would be penalized if it were to ignore rulings of the governor and health authorities.

Late month, the Adrian School Board in Eastern Oregon fired its superintendent, Kevin Purnell, because he obeyed the state’s masking mandate.

—30—

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ posts

📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣

The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.

Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!

Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!

Comments are closed.

Lane County Libraries The Power of Partnership throughout Lane County Oregon

graphic: Classifieds

GARAGE SALE: Tell folks about your upcoming garage sale here.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES:  It’s that time of year.  Let everyone know what services you have to offer.

JOB OPENINGS: Need to let the community know that you need help. Post your job openings here.

 

OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE:  Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
CLICK HERE for details.

graphic: Classified Ad Posting is Now Available - For Sale • Help Wanted • Landscaping • Rentals • Homes for sale • Repairs • Remodeling • and More! - Post your classified ad with us today.

Public and Legal Notices Lane County Highway 58 Oregon

 

Public and Legal Notices Lane County Highway 58 Oregon

Follow H58H on Social Media

The calendar is temporarily disabled due to a rendering error. Please reload the page.