August 5, 2020

Dear Okanogan School District families and community members,

Last night, I presented the following recommended plan to our Board of Directors for starting the 2020-21 school year: 100% remote start. Collaboratively with the administrative team and Okanogan County health officials, we believe due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 in our community and the priority of student, staff, and community health and well-being a remote learning start is the only option at the current time.

Ideally, a remote learning start will be a short term situation however, we are being told the need may continue throughout the fall and into winter depending on what happens with local conditions. The school district will continue to work closely with Okanogan Public Health as well as monitor incidence rates to begin phasing in students as soon as it is deemed safe.

Unfortunately, my recommendation to the board also included the need to reduce staff given our services are very different in a remote instructional model, as opposed to having students in our buildings on a part-time or, full-time basis. We still do not know what this will look like and are working with the bargaining unit to try and minimize the effect.

At this point in time, details are still being worked out. The final reopening plan will be approved next week by the Board of Directors. Thank you for your patience and hard work as we prepare for a unique school year. Please don’t hesitate to share your concerns and suggestions with your student’s principal, or myself, as we have learned there are many issues in providing educational services in this learning environment.

Sincerely,

Ashley Goetz Superintendent, Okanogan School District 

Summer Food Program
June 22nd-August 21st

Anyone 1-18 years of age may receive a meal
There is no cost for the meals
Meals will be served Monday-Friday

Okanogan MS/HS Cafetorium
11:00am-12:00pm

 Malott HUD
11:15am-11:30

M Bar J Trailer Park
11:55am to 12:10pm