SOMSD Petition Update - June 26, 2020

On Wednesday morning, our counsel had a second meeting with Superintendent Taylor and SOMSD's attorney.  The meeting was productive. 

Superintendent Taylor has, barring unforeseen circumstances, committed to the following:

1. Implementation of a remote learning program by the first day of school this Fall, should schools have yet to fully reopen;
2. Procurement and deployment of new learning management system for distance learning no later than the week of July 20;
3. Suitable professional development for faculty relating to the learning management system, with the majority of teachers to be trained over the summer and any remaining teachers to be trained during the two days previously allotted for professional development immediately prior to the beginning of the school year; and
4. Virtual workshops for parents to be trained in the use of the learning management system in advance of the beginning of the school year.

The District has created a working group, consisting of administrators and teacher representatives, that has been given responsibility for developing remote learning protocols (including mandatory live learning protocols) for each grade and subject.  

Final protocols relating to the remote learning program will be detailed in the introductory packet distributed to all students in mid-August.  We have been asked to submit any new suggestions and specific requests in advance of that date, with the commitment that all such new suggestions will be distributed to the Superintendent and all members of the working group.   The District has further agreed that it will provide our counsel with a draft of the protocols prior to adoption, in order to ensure that we have the opportunity to review.  Upon receiving this draft, our counsel will meet with Superintendent Taylor once more to address and resolve any remaining issues.  While we are encouraged by conversations to date and expect a positive result, we have nonetheless reserved all rights to act as necessary if one is not forthcoming.

We are grateful for Superintendent Taylor's willingness to engage us in discussion and for the hard work of our school administrators and teachers as they spend time this summer preparing for remote learning.  We remain ready and willing to assist the District in any way to ensure that its remote learning program is successful and are committed to seeing this process through to a conclusion that provides the best possible result for all of the District's children.