WATCH: JC Schools superintendent discusses mask mandate, vaccinations ahead of return Monday
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City School District superintendent joined ABC 17 News This Morning on Thursday to discuss the return to the classroom on Monday.
Superintendent Larry Linthacum discussed the new mask policy for the start of the school year along with vaccinations and how the district is dealing with positive cases this year.
Masks
On Monday, the district announced its mask requirement for students and staff when social distancing isn't possible, which took effect on Tuesday.
The plan states masks should be worn upon entering the school building, within common areas, during passing periods in the hallways, and during small group activities. Any time a distance of three feet cannot be maintained between students, or between staff and students in the classroom, masks will be required, including on all school buses.
"Each child and each staff member will need to have a mask but when they can't ensure social distancing they will need to have that mask on, at the end of the day we want to have school and we are just excited to have our students and our staff back," Linthacum said.
Vaccinations
The Jefferson City School District does not currently mandate coronavirus vaccinations for those who are eligible, However, vaccinations are available in the community for those who meet eligibility requirements.
The re-entry plan states that close contacts of a positive case who are not vaccinated and not wearing a mask will be required to quarantine. Close contacts of a positive case who are not vaccinated and are wearing a mask may be required to quarantine depending upon the situation and the severity of symptoms.
"If they can prove they have been vaccinated that can impact where they can remain in school, if they say they have been vaccinated but cannot prove it will have to side on err of caution," Linthicum said.
The district does not plan to track vaccinations within the district at this time, but some families have provided that information which could impact quarantines through contact tracing.
The district is also not planning to offer scheduled times for staff or faculty members to get the shot if a booster becomes available, but Linthicum said that will be taken into consideration moving forward.
COVID-19 protocols
The district has also outlined plans to track positive cases throughout the schools. This will determine if mitigation efforts have to change in certain buildings or classrooms, with three different levels of instructions outlined in preparation for any changes.
If a school community is moved from a lower to higher level, from green to yellow or yellow to red, the corresponding mitigation protocols will remain in place for a minimum of 10 days to allow active cases to quarantine.
If after 10 days the percentage of active positive cases within the school environment drops back into the range for a lower level, mitigation protocols will be adjusted.
"We are starting out as a green in our district and with our 18 schools depending on cases in individual schools the it can be impacted differently in each school based upon the cases in each school, we will communicate that will parents so they know what that level is."
The district's plan also goes over the importance of social distancing, hand-washing, and staying home when sick. The plan states students and staff who experience symptoms related to COVID-19 or come into close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 should not come to school.
