July 16, 2020 • Local News
Las Cruces Public Schools will start year remotely due to increase in COVID-19 cases
Las Cruces Public Schools will start year remotely due to increase in COVID-19 cases
LAS CRUCES, NM (KFOX14) — The Las Cruces Public Schools were expected to start school on Aug. 12 using a hybrid model. Which means students would attend school two days a week and learn from home the other three days.
During the LCPS school board meeting Tuesday, members of the school board came forward saying that they don’t feel comfortable with the hybrid plan and think the school year should start completely online.
Superintendent Dr. Karen Trujillo says she agreed and made the decision that the district will start in RED.
“Starting in the RED zone, I think that’s clear that it’s something we need to do," LCPS Superintendent Dr. Trujillo said. “When you look at going from a yellow to a red model, versus a red to a yellow, it’s much easier to go from a red to yellow, so I feel comfortable and confident in saying yes, we need to start in red.”
This means, students will do instruction online only, for the foreseeable future.
Trujillo said COVID-19 cases on the rise in Dona Ana County is what influenced her the most. She said the safety of of students, teachers and LCPS staff is her main priority.
Zia Middle School teacher Carlos Avila said he feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
"I was a strong proponent to not open schools," Avila said. "I was really worried for our students, our teachers, our older population that’s working with these kiddos and that are at higher risk, I’m really glad the district was listening, I’m very happy."
Trujillo said the district will work to accommodate every students needs during the remote learning process.