2021-22 School Opening Plans

August 13, 2021

Dear KLSD Community,

We are eager to welcome all our students back to school on September 9. After the many disruptions and challenges of the last 18 months, we recognize the vital importance of all students being in school full-time.

At our Board of Education meeting next Thursday, August 19, 7:30 p.m., I will present our administration’s initial recommendations for the opening of schools this Fall. All members of our community are invited to attend this meeting either virtually or in-person. We are continuing our practice of live streaming all BOE meetings.

Here is the Zoom link that will allow you to view next week’s meeting. If you’re unable to join us on Thursday, know that our recommendations will be posted on our website and a video of the meeting will be posted as soon as possible after the meeting. Additionally, know that we will provide opportunities, as we have in the past, for you to share with us your thoughts and reactions to our plans.

To understand the context in which we’re developing our plans, I share the following:

• On August 5, New York State Department of Health Commissioner, Howard Zucker, issued a press release stating, "With the end of the state disaster emergency on June 25, 2021, school districts are reestablished as the controlling entity for schools. Schools and school districts should develop plans to open in-person in the fall as safely as possible, and I recommend following guidance from the CDC and local health departments."

• Also on August 5, the New York State Education Department called on the NYS DOH to reconsider its decision not to provide guidance to schools.  

• Yesterday (August 12), New York State Education Department issued its own guidance to schools, based on the current guidance from the CDC.

• This past week, Superintendents in our region met with the Westchester County Department of Health to understand their interpretation of current guidance. We anticipate they will share recommendations soon with Westchester school districts.

• Current CDC guidance can be found here.

• Current guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics can be found here.

As always, and most importantly, I hope you and your families are well. We look forward to seeing your children soon.

Sincerely,

Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools