Lawrence board approves plan for return to classroom
By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor
LOUISA — The Lawrence County Board of Education approved a “Safe Return to In-person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan” Monday as the district prepares for the opening of school in August.
The plan encourages but does not require social distancing and the wearing of masks in school buildings.
The document does, however, require the use of masks on school buses in compliance with guidance issued by the Kentucky Department for Public Health on July 15. Bus drivers do not have to wear masks if they are the only person on the bus.
In addition, the plan encourages but does not require eligible students and staff members to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
“If you are interested, the Lawrence County Health Department and other health-related businesses continue to provide vaccinations for all individuals that are 12 years of age and older,” the plan says.
The plan, which is a revised version of the document used in the reopening of schools in the 2020-2021, also says parents/guardians should screen their students daily to determine if they have any COVID-19-related symptoms. If symptoms exist, parents/guardians are encouraged to have the child seen by a healthcare provider.
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow the directions of a healthcare provider or a health department official as it relates to staying at home and contacting others, according to the plan.
Healthcare providers should give written directions for “school excuse purposes,” the plan says, and “heightened sanitation procedures will continue.”
“The Lawrence County Board of Education will continue contracting with outside cleaning service providers to ensure we are sanitizing all buildings daily,” the plan says. “Also, we are utilizing cleaning tools and products that are specifically designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.”
During Monday’s meeting, the board authorized to let bid for professional cleaning services, with Superintendent Dr. Robbie Fletcher and board chairman Heath Preston noting that there is a shortage of custodial staff in the district.
Both men commended the custodians, with Preston saying, “We just need more great people.”
The says the school district is using cleaning tools and products that are specifically designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
“Touchless hand sanitizing stations are installed in all classrooms and in common areas to promote personal hygiene,” the plan says.
The school board has so far budgeted $500,000 for HVAC upgrades and “will continue to invest more federal relief funds for the same purpose,” the plan says.
The “Safe Return to In-person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan” was approved by the school board, but Fletcher noted that it is subject to change if the governor, the Centers for Disease Control or the Kentucky Department of Education amend guidance.
“As of today, these are my recommendations,” Fletcher said.