On December 13, 2021, the Ashland School Board approved a proposal from administration to provide two wellness and relief days and three additional planning days to education staff during the current school year. Schools will be closed to students on those days.
The Board made the decision in response to administrative concerns over the need for educator wellness and retention. Staff wellness has been significantly impacted by the increased demands of schooling through a pandemic and staffing shortages at all levels of the organization. The lack of substitutes has limited staff ability to take personal leave when they need it. Ashland is experiencing the same staffing shortages occurring throughout the state and country.
Administration reported that students had dramatically different experiences over the course of online and hybrid learning. This required educators to plan and deliver instruction that meets a huge range of student needs while providing more intensive social emotional and behavioral supports as students adjust to a return to the classroom.
Administration also reported that schools are facing a significant staffing shortage in classroom staff, transportation, custodial and other critical areas. The shortage of staff in all areas has resulted in additional work loads. Limited substitute availability has meant that staff have had to extend beyond their normal duties to keep schools open. In some cases, personal leave time has been denied to keep schools operational.
The 2021-2022 school calendar has been amended and schools will not be open on the following dates:
- January 3 (educator preparation day)
- February 22 (wellness and relief day)
- March 14 (educator preparation day)
- April 15 (educator preparation day)
- May 9 (wellness and relief day)
The District is working with community partners including the Ashland YMCA, ScienceWorks, and other organizations to offer child care during the relief and planning days. Scholarships will be available to families in need. Families should contact their child’s school for additional information.