January 18, 2022
Dear South Brown County USD 430 School Community,
As you are aware, the current surge in the omicron variant is creating immense pressure on our schools and staff members as we work to keep classrooms staffed and in-person learning possible.
To help alleviate some of the pressure on our schools, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), support schools implementing a 30-day temporary suspension on all contact tracing activities.
Today during a Special USD 430 Board Meeting the board voted to suspend all covid testing for the next 30 days. Along with adopting the new guidance from KDHE which is supported by The Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department. The newly adopted plan for all of USD 430 students and staff are:
No Covid Testing at school for the next 30 days.
If covid positive must be quarantined for 5 days. May return to school on day 6 but wear a well-fitted mask at all times, including during extra-curricular activities for the next 5 days.
If you prefer not to wear a mask, you must quarantine for 10 days.
What does this mean for you as parents and guardians? Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, our district will no longer notify families whose child may have been in contact, through classroom or extracurricular settings, with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. If your child is not feeling well please keep them home and notify your child’s school.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this challenging time for our schools and communities. We will continue to keep you informed as guidance changes are announced. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact one of the school nurses, principals, or myself.
Sincerely,
Jason Cline
Superintendent
USD 430 South Brown County