PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald, (Photos- pusd.us, coloradoblvd.net)
On March 4, 2020, the Governor of California declared a State of Emergency due to the outbreak and spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At the same time, the City of Pasadena Public Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh declared a Local Public Health Emergency. This empowers the City to respond effectively to the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19.
By Albert Martin
Despite state and county efforts, hospitalizations and the number of cases in Los Angeles County steadily increased from June 15, 2020 to July 24, 2020.
Although current science supports lower fatality rates among school age children, the data supporting child transmission is mixed. Public education services require the interaction of adults as well as children. Adults are dramatically more susceptible to severe cases of the disease.
Strict compliance with board statutes and board regulations will prevent, hinder, or delay the Superintendent’s appropriate actions to prevent and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. It is imperative to prepare for and implement measures in response to the spread of COVID-19. The Superintendent must have the tools to ensure student learning continues when instruction must be conducted from alternate locations or virtual learning environments. Board Member Michelle Bailey stated that she has “worked in the district, sometimes decisions need to be made on the spot.” She said she felt that the “Superintendent needs to have these emergency powers to be able to respond on a day by day basis to the Covid 19 Emergency.” Board President, Scott Phelps, “feels that the Superintendent is very inclusive with the board in regard to making decisions.” Board Member Patrick Cahalan added the “Superintendent has handled the Covid 19 situation well, and is comfortable granting him the emergency powers.”
On January 28, 2020, the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education:
1- Authorized the superintendent and/or his designee to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the continuation of public education, and the health and safety of the students and staff at the district sites including but not limited to: the relocation of students and staff, continued daily student transportation, provision of alternative educational program options, direction of staff to serve as disaster service workers, and making alterations, repairs or improvements to school property.
2- Authorized the superintendent to utilize up to $1,000,000 in funding from one-time corona virus aid in accordance with changing conditions on the ground, without requiring specific authorization from the Board for expenditures, providing these expenditures are reported for ratification at a subsequent regular board meeting.
3- Authorized the superintendent, at any time, to declare the necessity to close a school site or a classroom to in-person instruction, or halt any in-person service provided by the district, as needed to respond to health conditions.
4- Authorized the superintendent, at any time, to declare the necessity to move the district from in-person instruction to remote instruction, as needed to respond to health conditions.
This resolution is in effect until one of the following conditions is met:
- A) The Governor of the State of California overrides any part of this resolution by executing lawful authority.
- B) The Los Angeles County Department of Health declares the coronavirus conditions no longer a public health threat.
- C) The end of the calendar school year is reached, i.e., June 30, 2021.
The vote to authorize these emergency powers was 6-1. All were in favor except Tina Wu Fredericks, who voted against the measures.
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