Recent Rise in COVID-19 Cases in Community and Implications for Schools

October 20, 2020

RE: Recent Rise in COVID-19 Cases in Community and Implications for Schools

Dear West Michigan School Community:

As superintendents representing Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, we first want to acknowledge your extraordinary patience during these difficult times. Your understanding during this pandemic has been critical in keeping our schools safe.

Unfortunately, the collective hard work of schools alone is not sufficient in controlling community spread of the coronavirus. Public health experts report significant increases in positive cases across our state and region in recent weeks. Health officials cite that the rise in cases is largely due to a lack of safe practices -- mainly distancing and mask wearing -- in social settings and community gatherings. If cases continue to trend upwards, County Health Departments warn schools may be forced to implement additional restrictions to prevent continued infections. Restrictions may include cancellation, or other mitigation efforts, of extracurricular activities like athletics, band, choir and drama. 

As a worst case scenario, schools may be asked to shift to a distance learning instructional model either periodically or for an extended period of time until cases decline. 

And while safety remains our number one priority, we also acknowledge the important role schools serve for our broader community. Schools are vital in meeting the academic, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and families. We must do everything we can to keep schools safe and open.

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and to keep schools open, we ask that all social and community gatherings continue to adhere to safe mitigation protocols. We’ve worked too hard over the last several months to reverse course now.

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19. 

On behalf of the students and communities we serve, we thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Tom TenBrink
Superintendent
Jenison Public Schools

Ron Caniff                 
Superintendent
Kent ISD

Dr. Kevin Macina
Superintendent
Byron Center Public Schools

David Washburn
Superintendent
Comstock Park Public Schools

Dr. Heidi Kattula
Superintendent
East Grand Rapids Public Schools

Daniel Behm
Superintendent
Forest Hills Public Schools

Kevin Polston
Superintendent
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

Bill Fetterhoff
Superintendent
Godwin Heights Public Schools

Roger Bearup
Superintendent
Grandville Public Schools

Gerald Hopkins
Superintendent
Kenowa Hills Public Schools 

Mike Weiler
Superintendent
Kent City Community Schools

Michael Zoerhoff
Superintendent
Kentwood Public Schools
 

Dr. Mike Shibler
Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

Nate Fowler
Superintendent
Lowell Area Public Schools

Samuel Wright
Superintendent
Kelloggsville Public Schools

Craig Hoekstra
Superintendent
Wyoming Public Schools

Dr. John Severson
Superintendent
Muskegon Area ISD                                                                       

Bob Szymoniak
Superintendent         
Fruitport Community Schools

Dr. Curt Babcock
Superintendent
North Muskegon Public Schools               

Dr. Adam Bayne
Superintendent 
Holton Public Schools                 

Tom Livezey
Superintendent
Oakridge Public Schools

Bill O’Brien 
Superintendent                     
Mona Shores Public Schools                                             

Jeff Johnson
Superintendent
Montague Area Public Schools

Jim Nielsen
Superintendent
Orchard View Public Schools

Greg Helmer
Superintendent
Ravenna Public Schools
                                    

Steve Edwards
Superintendent
Reeths-Puffer Public Schools

Dr. Dedrick Martin
Superintendent
Caledonia Community Schools

Dr. Garth Cooper 
Superintendent 
Allendale Public Schools    

Peter Haines
Superintendent
Ottawa Area ISD                  

Matt Spencer
Superintendent
Coopersville Area Public Schools

Andy Ingall
Superintendent
Grand Haven Area Public Schools

David Tebo
Superintendent
Hamilton Community Schools     

Dr. Brian Davis
Superintendent
Holland Public Schools                               

Thomas DeJonge
Superintendent
Grand Rapids Christian Schools

Dr. Doug VanderJagt
Superintendent
Hudsonville Public Schools                                    

Dr. Tim Travis
Superintendent
Saugatuck Public Schools

Dennis Furton
Superintendent
Spring Lake Public Schools                               

Tom Martin
Superintendent
West Ottawa Public Schools      

Cal DeKuiper
Superintendent
Zeeland Public Schools

Dr. Scott Korpak
Superintendent
Northview Public Schools

Pete Bush
Superintendent
Sparta Area Public Schools