Open letter to BUSD school board re: Thursday’s meeting

Dear Bishop Unified School District Board Members and

Superintendent,

I realize that this is a difficult time for our school system and the many people who help make it work. I know you take your responsibilities very seriously and appreciate your many good efforts during these challenging times. Thank you for your dedicated service to our children and community.

I understand that, at Thursday’s School Board meeting, there may be a display of opposition to masks and other strategies and requirements to address the threat of COVID-19. Given that the Delta variant is spreading and local cases continue to occur, there is a real risk that our schools will not be as safe as they should and can be for students, teachers and staff unless all appropriate precautions and protections are - and continue to be - in place, including universal mask wearing indoors.

Today I read, once again, the Mission Statement and Governance Team Priorities 2020-2021 that are placed at the top of every School Board agenda. Attainment of each of these important goals – academic, morale, security, staff retention, and fiscal solvency - will be hindered if our schools do not follow the state’s guidance and fail to be as safe as we can make them for our students, teachers, staff, and community members.

I am not able to attend Thursday’s School Board meeting due to a conflicting meeting at the same time that evening. But I ask that you please continue to fully follow the state’s health guidance to address the pressing threat of COVID-19 in our schools and community. And I urge you to do all you can to fully address the important items on the School Board’s agenda for the evening.

Thank you,

Fran Hunt Bishop