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Gov. Jay Inslee today signed an emergency proclamation prohibiting all public K-12 schools in Washington from failing to provide opportunities in both remote instruction and on-campus, in-person instruction. The proclamation aims to address the alarming educational inequities and mental health concerns among students as a result of prolonged remote education.

This has been a long year for our state’s students and their families. They have lived with fear and uncertainty, Inslee said during a press conference Friday. The youth mental health crisis has become significantly worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is time to provide an in-person learning option to help students who need it.
Gov. Jay Inslee visited Phantom Lake Elementary School in Bellevue earlier this month (Office of the Governor photo).

Returning to the classroom
Under the proclamation, schools will be allowed to stagger the reintroduction of students to campus. Schools will be expected to provide an in-person learning option that equates to at least 30% of instructional time by two key deadlines:

April 5: All students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade (depending on the school district) must be offered a hybrid option.
April 19: All remaining K-12 students must be offered a hybrid option.
In addition, schools must offer students at least two days per week of on-campus, in-person instruction.

As schools open, they must adhere to physical distancing, masking and environmental cleaning requirements set out by the state Department of Health (DOH) and worker safety requirements issued by the state Department of Labor and Industries.

The proclamation also orders the state Health Care Authority and DOH to immediately begin work on recommendations on how to support the behavioral health needs of our children and youth over the next six to 12 months, and to address and triage the full spectrum of rising pediatric behavioral health needs.

Under Inslee’s emergency proclamation, there is still the option for families who want or need to leave their child in fully remote learning to do so. Some families and students prefer this option, or will still need it because the student, or a member of the family is at high risk for severe COVID. Additionally, there are students who prefer remote learning for mental health reasons.

The effects of COVID-19 have not been felt equitably across the student population. English language learner students and students whose families are experiencing poverty saw absence rates at twice that of the general population.

The data and science are clear: With health and safety measures in place, schools can safely provide in-person learning for their students. We also know our in-person learning environment provides students with comprehensive supports that many really need right now. I support this directive and am thankful for the governor’s leadership, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said.

Superintendent Reykdal sent a letter to school superintendents statewide on Friday. Reykdal’s office also created a document to answer questions on the school re-opening directive.

Students and their families have struggled in this pandemic. Our teachers and school districts have been challenged like never before. While working remotely, they have had to support the academic and social emotional development of their students. For many, in person contact can and will have significant positive impact. I know I am joined by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in our support and enthusiasm for this decision. With this move, we are doing what is best for students and balancing the health and safety of our communities, said Sen. Lisa Wellman, chair, Early Learning and K -12 Education Committee.

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