Hillsboro School District Weekly Hot News, May 22, 2023 - COVID-19 updates, Budget forecast

Hillsboro School District Weekly Hot News Podcast

On Wednesday, May 10th the State of Oregon announced that in alignment with the federal government ending the COVID-19 public health emergency on Thursday, May 11th they would be lifting health-protective measures related to COVID-19. Some of these changes are effective immediately, and others will take effect in the coming weeks. Here is a summary of the changes as they pertain to school and district staff and students.

• Vaccination Requirements - As of Saturday, June 17th, 2023 school staff and volunteers are no longer required to either provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request a religious or medical exception. The vaccination/exception requirement remains in effect for any new hires/volunteer approvals between now and June 16th.
• Exposure and Isolation Guidance - Effective immediately, a five-day period of isolation for those infected with COVID-19 is no longer recommended for the general population, including people in K-12 education settings. Instead, students or staff members who are ill should follow the Too Sick for School/Work guidelines and stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication and other symptoms are improving.
• School Health and Isolation Rooms - Isolation Rooms will remain in place through the end of this school year as spaces where students who are ill can await pick-up from their family/caregiver. Health Rooms will be used for routine medication administration, minor wound care, and other illnesses that cannot be categorized as a communicable disease - for example: upset stomach, headache, and so on.
• COVID-19 Tests - Schools will still have access to COVID-19 test kits to send home with families who request them until our current supply has been depleted.

Mask wearing will remain optional for students and staff, and is still recommended for those who are returning to school/work after a COVID-19 infection. Staying current on COVID vaccinations is also strongly encouraged.

Our Featured Event was our Proud to be HSD Festival on Saturday, May 13th. What a beautiful and fantastic day we had! Everything went off without a hitch and we were thrilled to see so many students, staff, families, and community members interacting with and celebrating our students. We are already planning for next year’s Festival, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 12th, 2024 and if you know of any student garage bands - send them our way! We’re trying to arrange an old-school battle of the bands as part of the festivities!

There will be no school for all students on Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day. Please enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Oregon’s June Economic and Revenue forecast was released on Wednesday, May 17th. The forecast showed another surge in tax collections and resources available for the 2023-25 biennium, which presents an opportunity for Legislators to appropriate $10.3 billion to the State School Fund. This is the level that would meet Current Service Level in all school districts across the state. Learn more on the Budget Matters page of our website.

Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: hsd.k12.or.us and the 2022-23 School Year page: hsd.k12.or.us/202223schoolyear to stay informed about what’s happening in our district and schools.