Superintendent's Letter

Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

Newsletter Topics:

• Lebanon School District Fall 2021 Five Day In-Person Back-To-School Plan draft for Board approval

• ESSER III project funding information

Lebanon School District Fall 2021 Back-to-School Plan

We continue to monitor the latest developments related to COVID-19 and guidance from NH state officials, CDC, and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP). As we plan for the 2021-2022 school year, the health and safety of our students, staff, families, and community members remains a priority.

• Currently, the community level of transmission in Grafton County and the Upper Valley are both considered to be 'Substantial'. In Grafton County, there have been 183.6 new cases per 100,000 individuals over the last 14 days. The test positivity rate over the last 7 days is 2.1%. In the Upper Valley, there have been 156 new cases per 100,000 individuals over the last 14 days. The test positivity rate over the last 7 days is 1.6%.

• A week ago these numbers were Grafton-142.4; 2.7%; Upper Valley- 147.1; 1.3% respectively.

DPHS created a Decision Matrix tool that provides a framework for recommendations for the use of facemasks indoors based on the level of community transmission and COVID-19 transmission within a school facility. The DPHS Design Matrix tool is located at the very end of this letter.

Based on the current level of transmission in the Upper Valley being substantial; the number of fully vaccinated individuals in Lebanon and Grafton County; and in an effort to keep all students, families, staff members, visitors, and community members safe all students, staff members, and visitors are required to wear masks starting the first day of school, Wednesday, September 1st.

On Wednesday, August 25th, the School Board will review the draft Fall 2021 Five Day In- Person Back-To-School Plan. The plan is based on guidance from the CDC, AAP, and DPHS.

Community members are welcome to provide comments at the School Board meeting via Zoom or in-person in the LMS cafeteria. Please note that I will go through the presentation, Board members will have an opportunity to ask questions, and then the Board will offer the opportunity for Public Comment before the Board vote. Two representatives from Concentric, which is the company that will provide voluntary student and staff COVID testing, will attend the meeting as panelists via Zoom. I have also asked Dr. Laura, Greer, our Lebanon School District Physician, to attend the meeting.

Masks are required for all individuals attending the meeting in person.

New Hampshire State Plan American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP/ESSER III)

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes a third round of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III), as well as money for internet connectivity for schools and libraries, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an extension of the Pandemic EBT food program for students.

The NH Department of Education provided information to school districts regarding the use of ARP/ESSER III funding and the Lebanon School District is expected to receive 3.5 million dollars.

Last spring, the Lebanon School Board held public discussions regarding projects to potentially bring forward for consideration and conditional approval focusing on construction projects that will improve supports and services for our students.

There are very specific rules regarding the use of these funds including following Davis-Bacon regulations. Based on the required Davis-Bacon regulations, which determine wages paid to workers and the fact that construction project costs have increased over 20%, not all of the projects being considered and put forward for DoE conditional approval will be funded via ARP/ESSER.

At the August 25th Board meeting, the Board will be discussing ESSER III projects. We welcome your input, so please attend the Board meeting if interested.

In Closing

We should do all that we can to try to sustain a five day in-person model this school year. Our schools are bustling with administrators and staff members holding meetings and setting up classrooms. We are so excited to welcome our students back on September 1st!

I am incredibly grateful for your patience, understanding, and support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Joanne Roberts

* Face masks are still recommended for people who want maximal protection for themselves or others (e.g., a household member who is unvaccinated or medically vulnerable)

† Exceptions can be made for classrooms/schools that have achieved a high vaccination rate (e.g., high-school), or where other prevention measures can be strictly implemented (e.g., 6 feet of physical distancing)

The Lebanon School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to providing a challenging, positive, and safe learning environment that CARES:

• Cultivates curiosity and collaboration
• Achieves academic excellence
• Respects and values diversity
• Encourages responsible citizenship
• Supports the needs of every learner

Upcoming School Board Meeting:

Lebanon School Board Meeting Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 6:30 pm LMS Cafeteria

Please visit the SAU #88 website for further information.

Link to Board Agendas and Minutes

Website: www.sau88.net
Location: 20 Seminary Hill Road, West Lebanon, NH, USA
Phone: 603-795-8500