Dear CSD Families and Staff,

This week, we received encouraging news from Oregon Health Authority (OHA) about the trajectory of the omicron surge. Based upon the drop in average number of newly diagnosed cases and current COVID-19 transmission models, OHA announced future updates to statewide indoor face covering rules.

Between now and March 31st, many details must be processed by OHA, ODE, OSBA Pace Legal, and Lane County Public Health (LCPH). Considering the impact of these rule changes both for school districts and schools that maintain universal masking and those that make masking optional will take time, careful planning, and collaboration.

At this time, masks continue to be required by OHA and ODE for all students and staff. Wearing masks on public transportation, including school buses, will continue to be required until federal guidelines are revised.

One thing the pandemic has taught us is that plans change, often with little notice. I will continue to keep you informed as I receive updates from ODE, OHA, and LCPH and hope you are as heartened as I am about the positive direction in our public health landscape.

As you head into the weekend, please do take a moment to review the latest edition of our CSD40 Update newsletter. In it, we share news about some exciting upgrades that will be taking place across the district, highlight the work of our incredible school counselors and staff including details about our language arts curriculum adoption process, and inform you about the recent success of our high school’s FBLA students.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing flexibility, patience, and loyal support.

With kindest regards,

Mike Johnson
Superintendent