Commentary: RUSD Coronavirus, Election Update

The following is a commentary submitted to Patch by Racine Unified School Board President Brian O'Connell. The views contained here are the author's own.

In these unprecedented and uncertain times, I am writing on behalf of the RUSD Board of Education to provide our community with some updates.

None of us could have imagined a month ago that the coronavirus pandemic would cause the closure of schools statewide. We would never have believed the extent to which it would disrupt and change our lives. Yet, during these extraordinary times, we experience the strength and power of community. Our school buildings may be closed, but Racine Unified is still open.

District staff worked quickly these past weeks to provide packets of grade-level academic enrichment for families to pick up or print from home. Additional learning resources were made available on the District website. And as we speak, our educators are working diligently to prepare instruction to be delivered via alternative means beginning April 6.

RUSD and food service staff worked quickly to implement a meal service program immediately. Our staff spends hours each day packaging and handing out meals to hundreds of families so that all of our community’s children receive healthy meals every day.

Our school-based mental health clinics are remaining open and our school social workers, counselors and psychologists are providing virtual office hours so that our students and families who rely on these services are well cared for throughout this crisis. We are extremely grateful for all of the RUSD staff who are continuing to show up every day for our community. We urge community members to join us in thanking them. Additionally, Board members have been asked whether the RUSD referendum question will be on the April 7 ballot as planned.

Yes, the referendum will remain on the ballot for two key reasons; the first being it cannot be changed this close to the election, but more importantly, the needs in RUSD still must be addressed. Waiting to address them will only become more expensive over time.

As we shared previously:

RUSD worked diligently with staff, families, community members, independent school facilities experts and demographic analysts to assess District needs and develop a thoughtful, data-based long-term facilities master plan that, if passed, will be funded by this referendum.

RUSD administration and Baird Public Finance developed a smart funding solution to address the needs in every school for every student, while keeping the school property tax rate related to the referendum flat. The Board of Education unanimously believes that this referendum is a prudent and responsible solution to address our needs now and into the future.

In addition to the referendum, there are a number of other important items on the April ballot. We want our community members to be safe and stay healthy. We join municipal leaders in encouraging residents to return absentee ballots if you have already requested one. If you choose to vote early, in-person or curbside, please be safe and practice proper social distancing. The city and county are both working diligently to ensure voters have the opportunity to vote in a safe manner.

It is our hope that we are able to re-open our schools and welcome our students back soon. Until we can, please know that RUSD will continue to do everything we can to meet the needs of our students, families and staff.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools, our students and our community.

Sincerely,
Brian O’Connell
President, RUSD Board of Education