District releases COVID protocol

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
As COVID-19 cases continue to pop up across the state and many school districts implement mask mandates, the Weston County School District No.1 board of trustees has been talking COVID-19 protocol.
In light of varied responses across the state to the spike in COVID-19 cases, Superintendent Brad LaCroix prepared a memo, dated Sept. 9, outlining the district’s protocol. The memo was discussed at the Sept. 8 school board meeting. 
LaCroix said that with two nurses employed by the district this year, the schools will help with contact tracing and inform parents when children may have been exposed. 
“If a student/staff member tests positive for COVID, an official notification letter will come from the State Health Department, public health or a medical professional,” the memo says. “School staff will assist health officials with contact tracing. If we are aware of a possible close contact, the school will send out a courtesy phone call or letter informing those involved that they may have had contact with someone who has COVID.” 
LaCroix told the board that parents will then need to work with their health care providers for further direction on quarantine and directives. 
“Quarantine times will vary depending on whether those involved have been vaccinated, tested negative, etc. The health department will make the decision on quarantine time. The school does not make any decision regarding quarantine,” the memo says. “Everyone is encouraged to contact their health care provider with questions.”
Asymptomatic students or staff, who are identified as close contacts, will be permitted to attend school. Those individuals will be encouraged to wear a mask during the recommended quarantine period or until they receive a negative COVID test. 
“They will be monitored daily by the school nurse,” the memo says. 
Students or staff who are sick or not feeling well are encouraged to stay home. 
Currently, there are no restrictions for any school activities or facilities, including the weight room or pool. 
“If you are comfortable using the weight room or pool, please feel free to do so,” the memo says. “Masks are encouraged, not required.” 
During the meeting, trustee Dana Mann-Tavegia asked that the district encourage mask wearing in district facilities. 
“I have spent several hours reading on lawsuits in courts now brought by survivors against employers, “ Mann-Tavegia said, noting that she feels the district must do its due diligence as far as liability goes. 
“The bigger lawsuit, I think, will be that we denied a child access to education. …That worries me more than the other,” LaCroix said, noting that the district will make sure that protocols are in compliance with health orders.