Redfield School Board discusses COVID policies in regard to extracurricular participation and close contacts

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Redfield School Board discusses COVID policies in regard to extracurricular participation and close contacts

  Staff report

  On November 9th, 2020, during the Redfield School District’s School Board meeting, board members discussed the school COVID policy regarding distance learning, participation in extracurricular activities, and close contacts.  Some schools in the state have put policies in place stating that students who are distance learning are not permitted to participate in sports. This position was also discussed during Redfield School District’s School Board meeting. According to Superintendent George Seiler, 13 school districts that he talked with responded that they allow students who are distance learning to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports. Twelve of the school districts that he talked with, however, responded that they do not. The school attorney advised the students should be allowed to participate in sports if they so choose, according to Seiler. School board member, Kelly Hodges, responded with a request that the school administration should look into waiver forms for parents and students to sign before participating.

  On the topic of close contacts, Seiler stated that local health care professionals have advised that students and staff will no longer need to be considered a close contact after a potential exposure if they were wearing both a face shield and mask at the time of the potential exposure. Elementary principal, Rob Lewis, stated that the elementary has had ten to 20 students in quarantine on any given day. He also said that a the majority of the close contacts occurred due to positive tests from family members at home.

  During Seiler’s Superintendent report, he stated that all staff members have taken on additional stress and workloads due to COVID. He recommended adding a a staff workday to the school calendar each month and three “student enrichment” days. Enrichment days would provide an opportunity for students to study a subject in a more in-depth manner for the day, and provide opportunities for students to develop additional skills. Seiler also explained that if any snow days occur, the snow day will count for the staff workday, and school will be held on the day previously designated as a staff workday. A motion was made to approve the revised school calendar and the motion was carried on a roll call vote with all but Hodges in favor of the change.