DESE discusses plans for a COVID-19 outbreak with state board of education

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Board of Education on Wednesday heard a report from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on the new strain of coronavirus, called COVID-19.

The presentation was in response to questions about the novel coronavirus, and will inform the board on recent communication sent to school districts in Missouri regarding the outbreak.

DESE sent out more information to districts on Tuesday providing guidance including the possibility of school closures, travel concerns and effects on food services.

School Closings Decision-Making

If a case is found in a district, DESE recommends school districts to work closely with local health professionals for the next steps regarding school closures.

Communication coordinator for DESE Megan McGowin said superintendents should work with local health professionals to decide what route to take if a case is confirmed.

"They will not be entirely on their shoulders to make that decision about their school community," McGowin said. "They can see guidance and recommendations from their local health officials to make an informed decision on if that kind of closure is warranted or how their school community should respond to a case of COVID-19."

The state says epidemiological investigators would work in the district to determine what individuals came into close contact with the infected person. Those individuals would be asked to self-quarantine.

It is important to keep in mind that a school closure may not be warranted in all circumstances when a student or staff member contracts COVID-19.

DESE Communication to School Districts, 3-10-20

DESE also sent materials to districts on March 3 encouraging districts to think about alternative plans to teach students if a school closure does happen.

DESE said the Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) statute does not take effect until the 2020-21 school year, which will allow districts to not be required to make up hours that are lost in emergencies.

The department has guidance in the AMI application to help schools plan for an emergency, like a potential outbreak of COVID-19.

Travel Guidance

With spring break around the corner, McGowin said the department has recieved concerns about student travel.

DESE will allow school districts to follow the CDC's current guidance on travel, which asks people coming back from countries under a travel advisory to stay out of contact with other people for 14 days.

Food & Nutrition Services

At this point, school districts are asked to continue their normal food programs.

If a public health emergency happens, DESE said food in a school's local inventory can be used as an emergency source for community members without approval or permission from the department.

McGowin said the department has been working to preemptively file the paperwork necessary if there is a need for community's use the school's USDA food products.

On an administrative level, Commissioner Margie Vandever said the department is getting ready to work remotely if office closures are put in place.

"Preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best and at this point in time continuing operations as usual," Vandever said. "I feel like we're in a pretty good place right now."