Dear Avon:
We received word this afternoon that a 'stay' was put in place regarding the NYS Supreme Court decision in Nassau County from yesterday. The 'stay' is temporary through Friday, January 28th. This means the mask regulation remains in effect. In New York State, different from the nation, the Court of Appeals is the highest court, so the litigation of this matter will continue. The next hearing is scheduled for Friday; however, there is not a scheduled date for the decision. This means that during the time of hearing and subsequent deliberations, the mask requirement remains in effect based on the stay. As mentioned before, there is certainly more to come on this issue.
As a district, we recognize that this is not the outcome desired by all members of our learning community. COVID has tested our patience and our values. This can be very frustrating. All of us eagerly await the time when there is no longer a need to navigate these waters. The court actions from yesterday hit a nerve. Some have been very frustrated by these rules and have done their best to support the protocols. The decision from yesterday and subsequent confusion today can be frustrating, for sure. We get it. We appreciate the support we have received to date. If you cannot bring yourself to support the practices in place, then we appreciate your patience and restraint.
Part of social studies instruction in NYS encourages the need to take informed action. We support and appreciate civil advocacy. A consistent sequence in this work has been COVID rules get set in place, and then many questions surface. It is the process of wrestling with the questions that leads to improved clarity. As has been the case all along, when the guidance or rules are issued, we consult with a variety of agencies- agencies of health, education, and law. We have frequently consulted with other schools and conducted stakeholder surveys to invite feedback from the community in order to inform perspectives. This has been our approach from the beginning, and an honest look at Avon's process reveals that we have consistently moved in a less restrictive direction when, upon consideration of all factors involved, it makes sense to do so. We will continue to take this process-based approach.
We will stay apprised of the news related to this litigation and take appropriate action when merited. In spite of the tension regarding this issue, it does appear that we are moving in the right direction. Isolations and quarantines have been shortened. The LCDOH reported fewer cases in our regular meeting today. Vaccines, for those who choose to do so, are available. Access to testing has been greatly increased. It has been a long road, but things are progressing. We will provide additional information when there is more to be shared.
Please reach out if you wish to share any additional thoughts. Thank you for your resilience.
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Ryan P. Pacatte, Ed.D.Superintendent- Avon Central Schools
Go Braves!
"In times of drastic change, learners inherit the Earth while the learned
find themselves beautifully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists."
- Eric Hoffer