Parents Andrew Dowd, Lindsay Heitmann, and Tony Biasotti all spoke to encourage the Board to not re-open school while the pandemic is still raging.  Teacher Laura Bingham shared a number of concerns teachers had shared with her about re-opening in the purple tier.

Mary and Lisa shared a number of factors to be considered prior to applying for a waiver to re-open including:
--Governor's new CA Safe School Plan for All, which we are still learning about;
--Local COVID data is 58.9 per 1000 (needs to be 7 or less); and a 7 day positivity rate of 13.5% (Needs to be 8% or less.)
--Testing Availability/Capacity
--Availability of vaccines
--Waivers are not available at this time
--VUSD opening no sooner than 2/1/21
--Lack of available substitutes
--Potential disruptions in hybrid teaching with quarantines

They shared the results of the Parent Survey which indicated that a majority of parents would not send their students back while we're in purple tier and recommended that the Board meet again once waivers become available.

 Adam made a motion for the Directors to apply for a waiver as soon as waivers become available (so that the Board does not need to meet again). Dominic seconded the motion.  A lengthy board discussion ensued.  A number of members felt that the Board should meet again once waivers become available in order to assess the current conditions at that time.  Two board members felt that VCS should apply for a waiver as soon as possible in order to facilitate a faster re-opening.  Lisa shared that it would likely take up to three weeks to re-open after waiver is granted and parents surveyed again.