| August 12, 2020 Dear MUSD Parent and Guardian: I am writing today to provide an update regarding the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) public health benchmarks, our work with the Pima County Health Department, and how these benchmarks directly influence when schools can safely reopen for in-person instruction. As you are aware, our school year began on August 5 through Remote Learning. At this time, a date has not been determined for when MUSD will reopen for in-person classroom learning. School Districts in Arizona are currently operating under Governor Ducey's July 23, Arizona: Open for Learning Plan Executive Order, which delayed the August 17 reopening date for in-person instruction. This newest Executive Order required ADHS to release "Benchmarks for Safely Returning to In-Person Instruction" on August 7 to provide school communities much-needed clarity on how and when school districts can return to safe in-person teacher-led classroom instruction. Additionally, last week the State Superintendent of Public Instruction stated, "Arizona is not currently in a place to resume in-person or hybrid learning by August 17th." Within this same Governor Executive Order, school districts are directed to consider the ADHS benchmarks and work with county health officials to determine when in-person, classroom instruction may begin. I have been assigned to the Pima County Back to School Committee and continue my work with Health Officials, County Administrators, and other school superintendents to identify appropriate local benchmarks and indicators with a goal of returning us to school safely as soon as possible. As of now, Pima County has not met the benchmarks as set by ADHS. However, many of the metrics associated with the Benchmarks are trending in the right direction. As communities do begin meeting benchmarks, we will also follow the health protocols set forth in the state's Roadmap for Reopening Schools. We also recognize that guidance to schools may change as our understanding of the virus evolves, and more scientific evidence becomes available. While the reopening of our schools for in-person classroom learning appears to be a few weeks out still, the District will begin to provide free learning opportunities and on-site support services for students who need a place to go during the day, as per the Executive Order. These support services begin Monday, August 17 and are intended to serve our more vulnerable students, including those with special education services, English learners, and those in care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, including Foster Care. If you believe your student is in need of these targeted support services, please visit our webpage. I will continue to keep you updated and please know that everyone is working as diligently as possible to support your student and family. As a parent, I look forward to my children being back in their classroom. As a superintendent, I look forward to opening our schools and having our students and teachers back together. Thank you and please stay healthy, Dan Streeter, Ed.D.
Superintendent | 
