Gov. Kate Brown says she’s issuing order to reopen all schools by next month

(Update: Adding video, Redmond School District comments)

'Oregon parents can be confident about sending their children back'

 SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday she will issue an executive order to return Oregon's public school students to the classroom -- younger grades by late this month, older students by next month.

In a letter to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education, Brown directed all Oregon public schools to offer universal access to in-person instruction on or before the weeks of March 29 for K-5 students and April 19 for students in grades 6-12.

"Thanks to the smart choices Oregonians have made, our COVID-19 numbers have declined," Brown said. "All but six counties now meet or exceed Oregon’s advisory metrics for a return to in-person, hybrid learning for all K-12 grade levels. And five of those counties meet the advisory metrics for a return to elementary school."

“The science is very, very clear: With proper safety measures in place, there is a low risk of COVID-19 transmission in school. Oregon parents can be confident about sending their children back to a classroom learning environment,” the governor said.

After the weeks of March 29 and April 19, all public schools in Oregon will operate under either a fully on-site or a hybrid instructional model when counties meet or exceed Oregon’s advisory COVID-19 metrics.

Individual students or parents who want to remain in comprehensive distance learning, or who have health needs, may do so.

Comprehensive distance learning for all will be an option for school districts when community transmission rates of COVID-19 warrant a transition, as determined by state or local public health directives.

No later than March 19, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education will issue updated guidance to match the directives set out by the governor.

Brown added, “Closing schools in Oregon is a decision I will never forget. Parents, educators, school staff, but especially students have come so far while navigating the challenges of this pandemic. Welcoming students back to every school across Oregon will be a milestone worth celebrating."

Redmond School District spokeswoman Sheila Miller said Friday that until those state guidelines are revised, the situation won't change.

We would love to have all of our students in school full-time," Miller said. "We know that students do better in in person learning, and a lot of our students have struggled with hybrid learning.

"But the state's Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance is how we determine those safety guidelines. And until some of those safety guidelines have been relaxed or changed -- especially the spacing rules and the cohort size rules …. we will be unable to bring our middle our high school students back full-time. Our hands are really tied," she said.

The governor's announcement came less than a day after all Oregon Republican state lawmakers had urged the governor to issue an order immediately reopening all public schools. The Oregon Education Association had said it instead supported the ongoing spring timeline for schools to reopen.

Asked about the governor's announcement Friday, Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, told NewsChannel 21, "It should be sooner, but it's a move in a positive direction."

Dru Draper, communications director for the Senate Republican Office, sounded a similar tone:

"It’s a step in the right direction," Draper told NewsChannel 21. "Her letter leaves open hybrid learning, which we know still isn't the best option for many students. We are glad that we were (able to) elevate the voices of struggling families and students, but we look forward to holding the Governor accountable for getting all our students back for full in-person instruction."

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) issued the following statement:

“The thousands of families across Oregon who have been advocating for the education and well-being of their children are finally being heard. Governor Brown’s updated executive order will not result in an immediate reopening of our schools, but it is a welcome first step in the process. I look forward to working with her administration and our local school districts to continue to support a full return to in-person instruction as soon as possible.”

Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) issued the following statement:

“It’s been a long time since our kids have stepped foot in a classroom… it is heartbreaking. Our students have struggled. Parents and teachers have gone above and beyond to help them... but it has been hard on them too. I am happy to know that kids will be returning to classrooms. Thank you, Governor, for bringing our students back to school.”