“Developed and Complex;” Clark County’s school districts aim to expand in-person learning

Physical distancing in classrooms can only be three feet, but remains at six feet at other times of the day

CLARK COUNTY – According to updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Washington Department of Health, school districts across the state can now accommodate up to twice as many students in a classroom.

Soon, more students may be returning to Clark County’s classrooms. File photo

While the updated guidelines released last week were “immediately effective”, it will take most school districts at least a few weeks to implement the changes and expand access to face-to-face learning. A process that a district spokesperson describes as “complex” and “evolving.”

Gail Spolar, a spokeswoman for Evergreen Public Schools, said discussions are ongoing about how the changes would affect their 38 schools, and Washougal School District said they hope to have updates for the community sometime on Tuesday.

Battle Ground Public Schools reportedly plans to study in person five days a week starting the week of April 26, although details are still being worked out.

The Vancouver Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment, but have scheduled a board of directors’ working meeting for Tuesday evening that will include a section on the implications of the new guidelines.

Under this new guidance, the physical distance between students in classrooms can be reduced from six to three feet, as long as masks and other mitigation measures are in place. However, students must still be three feet apart at lunch as they cannot wear masks. This gives the districts a difficult equation before they can expand in face-to-face learning.

Currently, most Clark County’s districts divide students into two cohorts, one with attendance on Mondays and Tuesdays and the other on Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday is usually reserved either for fully remote learning or for teacher days.

It is currently unclear whether all districts will opt for the five-day option or try to keep a completely removed day. Districts must continue to provide a completely remote learning option for students or families who wish to do so.

Clark County Today will continue to monitor the district’s reopening plans and post updates here and on our social media channels.