LACDC News:
Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation shares its support for consideration of the Stoplight Model for the upcoming school year.
LACDC Executive Director Patrick Sullivan today sent the following letter reflecting that support to Cabinet Secretary Dr. Ryan Stewart of the New Mexico Public Education Department:
June 23, 2020
Dr. Ryan Stewart Cabinet Secretary New Mexico Public Education Department
Dear Dr. Stewart,
As the director of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC), a private not-for-profit economic development firm in Los Alamos, NM, I am writing to request that you consider a Stoplight (Red, Yellow, Green) model for the upcoming school year.
Los Alamos Public School District is a vital partner in our firm’s mission to support and grow the economy in Los Alamos. Education is a primary driver of economic development; Los Alamos’s reputation for excellent public schools is a critical factor both for economic development and for recruiting at the national laboratory.
As you understand, the return to school in the Fall is important on a number of fronts and LACDC recognizes the importance of doing so in a safe and healthy manner. There are many reasons for us to support a return to in-person schooling: 1) Person-to-person interactions provide the best quality educational and social experience for students 2) With high childcare costs, employees of small businesses rely on public schools both for the education and safety of their children, and finally 3) Even if it were affordable, there are insufficient childcare options in Los Alamos to accommodate all of our public school children.
Therefore, LACDC is supporting consideration of a Stoplight plan for a safe return to school. This plan allows each district, in coordination with public health officials, to return to school in phases based on current COVID-19 conditions in their district. The basic premise is as follows:
RED – Substantial Spread – Schools Remain Closed
- Coordinate with local and state DPH officials
- Participate in contact tracing efforts and specimen collection efforts, as directed by local health officials (to the extent feasible)
- Schools that are closed, remain closed. Implement distance/remote learning • Close off affected areas, and if possible, wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting.
- Consider ways to accommodate needs of children, teachers/staff, and families at higher risk for severe illness
YELLOW – Minimal/Moderate Spread – Schools Open, Proceed With Caution
- Establish and maintain communication with local and state DPH officials
- Participate in contact tracing efforts and specimen collection efforts, as directed by local health officials (to the extent feasible)
- Implement enhanced social distancing measures
- Post signage in classrooms, hallways, and entrances to communicate how to stop the spread. COVID-19 symptoms, preventative measures (including staying home when sick), good hygiene, and school/district specific protocols
- Establish a protocol for students/staff who feel ill/experience symptoms when they come to school
- Isolate and deep clean impacted classrooms and spaces
- Consider ways to accommodate needs of children, teachers/staff, and families at higher risk for severe illness
- School districts have the authority and flexibility to close school buildings and utilize distance/remote learning as needed.
GREEN – Low/No Spread – School Open, Remain Diligent With Health Protocols
- Establish and maintain communication with local and state DPH officials
- Participate in contact tracing efforts and specimen collection efforts, as directed by local health officials (to the extent feasible)
- Post signage in classrooms, hallways, and entrances to communicate how to stop the spread. COVID-19 symptoms, preventative measures (including staying home when sick), good hygiene, and school/district specific protocols
- Establish a protocol for students/staff who feel ill/experience symptoms when they come to school
- Consider ways to accommodate needs of children, teachers/staff, and families at higher risk for severe illness
LACDC appreciates the difficult decisions that you and your department are facing and have confidence you will work towards a learning model that provides an effective learning environment in the healthiest manner for our children. Thank you for your consideration of the proposed plan.
Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan
Executive Director, Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation