Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. board members have included a discussion of COVID-19 and reopening plans as part of its Monday meeting agenda.
One of the items on the agenda is labeled “Update: COVID-19 Plan of Action for 2021-2022.” Throughout the pandemic, Superintendent Jim Roberts has provided regular updates to the board on COVID-19 data, protocols and other relevant information related to the virus.
Roberts said at Thursday’s school cabinet meeting at the administration building that the update will include conversation about schools reopening. There will also be discussion of how recommendations and “dialogue” from the COVID-19 Community Task Force applies to BCSC.
Ongoing work is occurring regarding possible revisions to the reopening plan, he said.
On Wednesday, the task force sent out a release strongly recommending “masking in all indoor spaces, regardless of whether or not the individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended similar measures for areas with high weekly transmission rates, as well as indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, vaccinated or not. The Indiana State Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics have also issued recommendations for masking in schools.
BCSC’s current reopening plan states that, in most situations, masks are optional for both students and staff, but “recommended” for those at risk or unvaccinated. However, masks are required on buses due to a federal mandate. The plan also states that the school corporation will adjust its guidelines “as needed based on the level of community spread.”
A link to the reopening plan is available at bcscschools.org.
