Weekly update from Commissioner Blomstedt and Governor Ricketts
Commissioner Blomstedt sent out a press release on graduations on April 16, 2020 which is included below this update. Governor Ricketts continues the Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected campaign which is proving to be as effective as other states' directed health measures. Here are a couple of other bullet points from yesterday's zoom meetings:
- Social distancing and hand washing are still very important.
- Mental health and the wellbeing of children are a top concern. Teachers, neighbors, family members should keep an eye out for others in need of mental health assistance.
- May 4, 2020 is the date set by Governor Ricketts to allow elective surgeries to resume as long as the following criteria is met: 30% of hospital beds are open, 30% of ICU beds are open, 30% of ventilators are available, and a 2 week supply of PPEs.
- Commissioner Blomstedt submitted and Governor Ricketts signed an executive order to waive state testing and accountability measures for the 19-20 school year. This executive order also provides some "wiggle room" within the Reading Improvement Act. The executive order can be found on the NDE website: https://www.education.ne.gov/publichealth/resources/
- Guidance for school districts on how to submit a waiver for some of Rule 10 requirements should be coming out later this week or early next week.
There are still a lot of unknowns regarding the near future. Any type of summer learning opportunities will need to be done remotely through the month of June for sure. I have no specific information about summer activities or the beginning of the 20-21 school year at this time. As always, I will continue to pass along information every week as I receive it. A decision on graduation will be made by May 6th.
Jake Luhr, Superintendent
