Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX — Students here will return for in-person learning Feb. 1 after School Board representatives unanimously approved the date Monday night.
Board member Brian Becker moved to reopen and Erica Anderson provided the second.
“We’re excited,” Superintendent Jerry Pugh said. “The best place for students to be is with us in our School District.”
Before the vote, he took the board through his reasoning to recommend the change noting that virus cases within the district have not been spread inside schools.
Jennings Elementary pupils have attended in-person since the start of the school year. Grades 7-12 have been in a two-day per week format since October.
“We’re not seeing any transference (of the virus) in the buildings,” Pugh said.
He praised staff for following protocols as well as those who tested positive for their willingness to quarantine and help with contact-tracing.
He thanked custodial and maintenance staff for their extra work cleaning high-touch areas and more.
Pugh noted the building’s brand-new ventilation system will keep fresh air flowing through facilities.
“I give a strong endorsement and recommendation to do this. The caveat is, face masks worn properly when we’re out among people is crucial,” Pugh said. “There is no debate on this. This is way it is... It takes a village today to educate a child (and) for them to come back.”
The state could attempt to shut down reopening if local hospitalizations increase.
“I am confident as can be that this is the right move,” Pugh said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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