The Caldwell School District will move students to a remote-learning model starting Monday, Nov. 30.

Trustees approved the change during a special school board meeting Wednesday.  

The vote follows Southwest District Health’s recent decision to move Canyon County into the red risk level for community spread of COVID-19. It also reflects procedures outlined in the district’s original reopening plan, which calls for a fully remote learning model under a “red” designation. 

The district will continue with remote learning until at least Jan. 4, when students return from winter break.

The district has been operating in a hybrid model, with students alternating between days of in-person and remote learning.

The board will reevaluate the district’s reopening plan on Dec. 14. Trustees could then vote to allow students back in school or continue with remote learning after Jan. 4. 

Trustee Andrew Butler said he hopes to reevaluate the district’s reopening plan at that time, perhaps to allow different grade levels to return to school amid the red designation. 

Board chair Marisela Pesina pointed to COVID-19’s strain on Caldwell’s Latino Community. 

“My community, their families are dying,” Pesina said. “There are vulnerable people in our community, no one can dispute that.”

Caldwell’s decision comes one week after trustees in the Boise School District voted to take their learning fully online after Thanksgiving break.