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<p>Whereas The return to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic has created many unknowns and much anxiety within the community; and </p> <p>Whereas Health and safety, racial equity, and family partnerships are among the guiding principles of the Cambridge Public Schools Department in their planning for reopening; and </p> <p>Whereas There is a growing push in public comment testimonies for a 100% remote learning start to the school year from educators and families due to health and safety concerns; and </p> <p>Whereas The data shows that COVID-19 transmission is significantly lower outdoors; and </p> <p>Whereas The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's guidance from July 22nd, 2020 guidance urges districts to create an inventory of spaces and consider outdoor and off-campus options for classes; and </p> <p>Whereas In-person educational experiences are highly beneficial for scholars, and in some cases of critical importance; and </p> <p>Whereas There will be a need for an abundance of spaces to be used as in-person classrooms as well as spaces for scholars to safely access their remote classes when their home environments are not conducive to learning; now therefore be it</p> <p>Resolved That the Cambridge School Department will collaborate with the City of Cambridge, and other public and private entities to determine what outdoor and open-air spaces can or may be used for these purposes (including parks, parking lots, and youth centers); and be it further</p> <p>Resolved That the Cambridge Public School Department will provide an inventory of which outdoor and community spaces are available for in-person classroom use and an assessment of their safety to the School Committee by August 11th, 2020; and be it further</p> <p>Resolved That the district provide an update on which spaces, both in and out of schools, can be used as remote classrooms for scholars who are unable to safely or optimally learn at home by August 11th, 2020.</p>