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Kyrene plans numerous changes for schools BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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yrene School District’s plan for the 2020-21 school year anticipates that as many as half the students will continue learning at home while those who do go back to campuses can expect to spend more time in the same classroom, even for meals. They won’t have fall break as the district tries to cram more learning before �lu season begins and their parents will be asked to run through a virus checklist before sending their kids off to school. And children who ride the bus won’t be sit-
TU may drop use of police SROs at schools here
ting next to a classmate. They’ll also have to wear a mask, though masks won’t be required on campuses. Those are some of the details of the reopening plan that Superintendent Jan Vesely was to roll out yesterday, June 9, for parents and the Governing Board and that she outlined for AFN in an interview. Vesely said the emails she has received from parents show the wide range of attitudes and expectations among households that in effect require Kyrene and most districts to offer both in-classroom and distance learning. Parents will be asked next month to commit to one or the other so the district can ad-
equately prepare for both types of learning. “Some are saying ‘Oh, this is all a bunch of malarkey and just get school open and we’re ready to go,’” Vesely said. “I got another email from a medical doctor who said ‘we are not going to send our children back to school because we are so fearful for them to come back to school.’ So, we have an option for both of those.” The hybrid system not only serves parents, Vesely said, but also addresses two major concerns facing all school districts. The �irst involves older teachers and staff
Justi�iable caution
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BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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he Tempe Union High School District Governing Board is considering eliminating school resource of�icer positions at four schools, including both Ahwatukee campuses. While some board members said the $450,000 could be used for more counselors or similar professionals, others suggested it could be put toward higher pay for personnel like cafeteria workers and custodians whose pay barely exceeds the minimum wage. Regardless, the move is certain to generate controversy.
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Catherine Armstrong wasn’t taking any chances May 31 at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market and there’s a good reason for that, according to a top Banner Health official who is concerned with Arizona’s rising rate of COVID-19 cases. For details, see page 4. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)
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