Board of Education - Holiday Pause

Board of Education - Holiday Pause

Dear Learning Community,

We understand and share the community’s frustrations concerning the impact the pandemic is having upon all of us, particularly our students and staff. Please know that all school districts in New York State are required to adhere to applicable orders and directives regularly issued by the Governor’s office, as well as the NYS Department of Health. School districts in Orange County are further required to adhere to additional mandates from our County Executive and the Orange County Department of Health.

Some of these mandates are vague and at times difficult to interpret, others are issued with inadequate notice leaving us little time to determine an appropriate course of action under the circumstances, and still others we outright disagree with based on their impact upon our schools. Unfortunately, school districts are provided with little, if any, local discretion in determining how to best address the myriad of everchanging issues that have arisen in connection with this devastating pandemic. We rely upon the expertise and sound judgment of our health professionals in our concerted and ongoing effort to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our school community. To do otherwise would be irresponsible and an abdication of our responsibility to provide a safe environment for those attending and working in our schools.

We deeply value and appreciate the ongoing input provided by our students, staff, and community members as we navigate these difficult times. Your continued partnership during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history is critical to our ability to do so.

We will continue to update the community as quickly and comprehensively as possible in the future as dictated by the circumstances. Again, we thank you all for your patience and understanding.     

PJCSD Board of Education