September 2, 2021 at 1:23 p.m.
District superintendent reiterates COVID plan as new school year begins
District superintendent reiterates COVID plan as new school year begins
"We have received a lot of thoughts on what the school district should do regarding covid this school year," Burke said in an Aug. 30 video address posted on the district website and Facebook page. "It is important for all to know that we take this very seriously and have had much discussion on this topic. The topic of masking seems to be the biggest source of contention. Some urge that we make it mandatory because it is what is recommended and others believe it must be optional for families to decide. We have heard a lot of emotion on both ends of that topic. As educators, we are focused on what is best for learning and staying in-person 5 days a week. Safety is one of those factors for any school district. As a school district, in regards to masking it will be optional for students and staff to begin the school year."
In the message, Burke goes on to explain that the district's leadership team will meet daily to discuss current COVID infection numbers and the plan could be modified depending on the circumstances presented.
"Our district leadership and school nurses will be meeting daily to discuss the current numbers with covid impacting our students and staff," Burke said. "We have positive covide numbers from last year to compare with to help us make decisions. It is possible that the school district may require masking for a period of time at certain grade levels or in certain buldings because of the COVID impact we are experiencing. It will depend on what is happening here at the School District of Rhinelander as our No. 1 factor. We may also need to reinstate quarantine procedures from last year or we may need to institute other procedures to mitigate, like crowd reduction at events."
"We understand that some are very opposed to this decision," Burke continued. "It is a difficult decision and it is important to remember it will be monitored daily. We feel it is in the best interest for all to not start with the most restrictive mitgation practices. We are also hopeful to not have to use the most restrictive mitigation practices."
In the address, Burke noted that the district operated a successful summer school program with masks optional and, as of Aug. 30, there are no positive cases among staff or students despite both Oneida County and the school district's geographic area being at a "high transmission" level, according to health officials. He said the district is hopeful that the decision to use face coverings can remain "in the hands of the individual and/or parents."
He also stressed the district will have "plenty of masks available" for those who wish to wear them and asked parents not to send sick children to school.
"Beyond the masking issue, it is perhaps more important to make sure your child stays home if he or she is sick," he said, adding that the district recommends testing for those who are symptomatic.
On Aug. 16, after hearing more than 90 minutes of emotional testimony from parents and staff, the school board voted 7-1 to approve the administration's COVID preparedness plan with masks optional.
At that time, as he did this week, Burke stressed that the district is taking a "day-to-day approach" to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant that is reportedly striking children harder than last year's strain.
"In many ways, this is a more difficult situation to get into the school year than last year," Burke said at that meeting. "All school districts are faced with pressure from the politics of COVID, along with many strong emotions. The school district is striving to remain focused on what is best for students and staff and stay focused on our priorities that are outlined in the plan."
The plan includes three instructional levels ranging from level 1, where classes are in-person 5 days a week unless parents opt for virtual education, to level 2 where additional mitigation strategies will be used and/or in-person teaching is reduced, to level 3 where all instruction is virtual.
The plan calls for the level to be determined by community impact of COVID-19, the impact of COVID on the district and the impact on the building level.
"Levels of instruction are based on data provided by the Oneida County Health Department, local health professionals and the SDR Health Advisory Panel," the plan states. "In extreme circumstances, a change to the level of instruction may be determined necessary by the SDR superintendent, the State of Wisconsin and the Oneida County Heath Department within 24 hours."
The plan also spells out distancing requirements, entry, exit and movement patterns and protocols for hand sanitizing and disinfecting.
Burke closed his Aug. 30 address on a positive note.
"In closing, despite Covid we are very excited about the direction of school distrct," he said. "We have a clear direction to best support student growth and we have an amazing staff that wants each child to find their own passion and excel to their maximum potential."
Classes for elementary students, and those entering fifth and ninth grade, began Thursday. All students were scheduled to be back in the classroom on Friday.
The preparedness plan is available on the district website, https://www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us.
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