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BELLWOOD — The district’s health and safety plan was approved Tuesday at the Bellwood-Antis school board meeting, but before voting on the measure, board members expressed concern over the plan’s wording and whether it could change if there is a surge in Covid-19. Matters as school resumes this month.
In order for the elementary and secondary school emergency fund to be funded, the district must have a health and safety plan.
Board member Seth Sager spoke for the first time about the plan, which would be very different and require more administrative time.
“For example, he says, we follow the cleaning of the handles on the doors and things like that.” he said. “I’m concerned that it’s very different where it places some of the responsibility and accountability on the district.”
Sager asked about the memo to notify families and close friends if a student tests positive for Covid-19.
“It involves a lot of administrative time, is that still our plan?” he asked.
Middle School Principal Don Wagner explained that some families in the community want to notify their child of intimate contact because of potential medical conditions.
“They’re afraid their child might bring home COVID-19.” he said.
According to Wagner, last school year, teachers told administrative staff what contact students had with a student who tested positive for Covid-19.
Those students were told they had close contact with a positive case and were advised to wear a mask.
“We then notified families through the school messaging system.” Wagner said. “It was a little painful, but not time-consuming.”
Superintendent Edward DiSabato added that the district will follow the latest Health Department guidelines for the upcoming school year.
Disabato said the guidelines will be relaxed, making it easier for school districts to comply.
Sager then asked if there was an opt-in or opt-out system for parents who want to be notified when their child is close to a positive case.
If parents can opt out, that eases the administrative burden and minimizes disruption to learning, he said.
Halfway through the last school year, the district was able to cut back on some of the work associated with contacting families about intimate relationships, said high school Principal Richard Schreier.
“We used to call all the families and talk to them personally, but now we give them a paper that explains the information.” he said.
Elementary School Principal Matt Stinson called home, though, and said parents were taken care of.
“There was a time when students didn’t show any symptoms, so there is a chance that parents could be affected.” he said.
If parents know their child has been in close contact with a Covid-positive person, they or their children can act quickly to contain the spread if they or their children see any symptoms, he said.
Covid-19 appears to be lingering and cases are predicted to increase as school resumes.
If so, board member Kevin Lunsman asked if the health and safety plan could be updated.
Wagner said the plan is a working document that can be revised if necessary.
“I’m with you Kevin, it’s getting late out there and I’m afraid we’re going to get everyone together en masse, but I’m hopeful. Wagner said.
Board Vice President Kathy Birch said it’s important to be transparent and honest in providing information to parents.
“What they do with it is their business, at least they have the facts to make an informed decision and I think that’s what all parents want.” She said.
In order to receive ESSERs funding, all school districts must follow health and safety guidelines, DiSabato said, adding that the plan must be updated every six months.
According to a working document, a mechanism has been put in place to make changes to the plan if an increase in cases is realized.
“I hope that doesn’t happen – none of us do.” he said.
With that, the plan was approved by a vote of eight to one, with Sager opposed.
Mirror staff writer Kathy Keith can be reached at 814-946-7535.
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