For Immediate Release
November 9, 2020

Contact:

Tim Kuehl, Superintendent
timkuehl@ccaschools.org
Laurie Haman, Communications Director
lauriehaman@ccaschools.org

CCA Transitions to Virtual Online Learning Effective November 9 and Waiting for Approval from the Department of Education

Oxford, IA - On November 8, 2020, the Clear Creek Amana Community School District applied for a two-week virtual learning waiver from the Iowa Department of Education. Although positive cases are relatively low for the district, staff quarantines, and specifically the transportation department has been significantly impacted.  Without enough drivers to transport students to school, and the struggle to cover classes within the schools, the district made the decision to go virtual today and tomorrow and will await the Department of Education’s decision for approval of a two-week virtual learning waiver.  

The District is experiencing rising positivity rates in both counties, with Iowa County at 18.7% and Johnson County at 14.9%. The student absentee rate is relatively low at 1.6% per the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health calculation procedures. The calculation procedures do not include quarantined students.

CCA is experiencing critical issues in staffing departments and buildings due to COVID cases and COVID related quarantines including 13 bus drivers and 2 bus mechanics quarantined for the next two weeks. In addition, there are 5 cohorts quarantined at the elementary and middle schools and 165 students affected in total. Currently there are 49 teachers/staff quarantined or tested positive for COVID.

The district has planned for this scenario. Its teachers and staff are ready to quickly lead the transition to the virtual online model, which will take effect starting today, November 9.

If approved for the two-week waiver, district leaders hope to be able to return to in-person learning after Thanksgiving break. This will depend on the status of COVID-19 and the guidance the district receives from the Department of Education.

For further information and updates, please visit https://www.ccaschools.org/.

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