Full-day, five-days-a-week schedule for fall approved by FUESD

Like all public schools, the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District was forced to move to full-time remote learning when the pandemic first started. But thanks to the efforts of teachers, staff and administrators, the district was able to phase students back to the classroom safely – and ahead of the vast majority of San Diego County schools.

The journey back to the classroom started in October when students were brought back in a hybrid format. This consisted of students split into two cohorts and back in the classroom two days a week. Since October, the district was able to build on its success of safe, in-classroom learning and work its way over four phases to having all students in the classroom five days a week with a shortened schedule.

A full return to classes five days a week for the fall was approved Monday, May 17, by the school board at its evening meeting.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about the steps we’ve taken as a district,” said Superintendent Candace Singh. “I’m proud we’ll be back to normal in the fall.”

She also recognized the major accomplishment of resuming transportation for regular education students in the fall. Due to the California Department of Health guidance and the need for social distancing, the district has been unable to provide bussing for regular education students during the pandemic. The exception has been for students with special needs.

With the record-low cases of COVID-19 in the state and an ever-increasing number of vaccinations, administrators are confident bussing for all students in need of transportation will be available, mostly in new busses.

Singh noted the increased Fallbrook traffic at all the schools because of parents dropping off and picking up students. Student transportation is rarely offered in most public school districts in the county.

An hour prior to the regular meeting, the board recognized district employees who were retiring this year or last year. There were 21 on the list with 17 available at the meeting. Because of COVID 19 concerns, the employees who retired in 2019 were not previously recognized. They included administrators, teachers and certified staff. Afterwards, the board hosted a reception for the employees who attended.

Bill Billingsley, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Communications, is retiring after 17 years in the district, beginning as a teacher.

Others recognized include five employees from La Paloma School: Patricia Dawson, Cindy Polujancewicz, Jana Scott, Sandra Turley, and Elsa Grijalva. From Fallbrook Homeschool Academy, Marianne Polyascko was cited.

Others were Martha Covarrubias and Thomas Dawson from Mike Choate Center, Raul Perez and Pauline Williams from Potter Jr. High, Barbara Jean Hopkins and Phillip Pizzuto from San Onofre School, and Wendy Herrell and Lisa Manring from William H. Frazier School.

Three women retired from Child Nutrition Services: Kathy Hargrove, Mary Ann Hill, and Christine Salas.

Other retirees were Dennis Buth from Facilities, Sally Baker-Opp from Special Education, and Terry Neuzil from Transportation.

During the regular board meeting, Billingsley’s replacement was also introduced; Brian Morris is the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. He previously served in the Poway Unified School District.