LBUSD routinely holds morning/midday School Board meetings (enabling briefings by LBUSD staff) that it calls "workshops" although (like this one) they're legally agendized meetings (just not the "prime time" evening Board meetings.)

To launch on-demand audio of the discussion on plans for reopening, click here.

Summary re initial "distance learning"/online instruction LBUSD staff indicated it plans to provide robust online instruction exceeding that offered in spring 2020 (after the abrupt COVID-19-prompted closure of LBUSD campuses.)

Staff's July 20 presentation effectively followed up on the July 14 video announcement by incoming Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker who indicated LBUSD plans "for a robust online instructional program to include daily live lessons, synchronous instruction, grading and attendance-taking."

Staff acknowledged public calls for improved online instruction. improved communication, more teacher interaction and support and said it plans to address those issues with its upcoming online instruction (although it offered relatively few details for now. )

Staff indicated it's mindful of, and plans to address, issues faced by students with limited internet access as well as those who might not be familiar with online operations. Staff also indicated it plans to provide legally required support for special education students online and said it plans to provide details in a "deeper dive" into these areas at the August. 5 School Board meeting.

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Re eventual physical reopening (date not presently certain, depends on Sac'to actions.) Staff offered detailed plans that (depending on grade levels) will offer parents/student some choices between online only instruction, or a hybrid/blend of online and classroom instruction or entirely on-campus instruction. Staff acknowledged some challenges/difficulties with physical distancing at some of LB's older high schools.

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School Boardmembers voiced concerns (Meyer) over keeping students engaged with online learning as well as (Benitez/Kerr) assisting students already struggling academically as well as students without internet access.

In a second agenda item, staff also discussed its planned "Budget Engagement Process." Although the School Board has already adopted a formal 2020-21 budget, details on how to implement it remain to be discussed and decided. Staff provided a budget update and its proposed framework for gathering community input on budget priorities.

>For on-demand audio of the budget discussion, click here.

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