Just a few days into the new school year, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. has returned to requiring masks.
The school board unanimously approved a revised reopening plan at Monday’s school board meeting, and the new protocols go into effect today. The plan includes a mask mandate for all staff, students and visitors while indoors and on school buses. For athletic events, spectators, coaches and non-participating players must wear masks when indoors.
Under the previous plan, which was approved in July, masks were optional in most situations except school buses.
“From a personal, as well as professional educator standpoint, I hate to put masks back on our kids,” said Superintendent Jim Roberts. “… Actually seeing smiles in the classroom was something that we had not seen for quite some time. And that matters. It is a big deal. But given the circumstances, we indicated at our last meeting that as information changed, we would adjust to that.”
The plan was created “using local, state and national data.” It also states that, “Mitigation strategies may change at any time as need is determined by BCSC administration.”
Roberts said he appreciates the additional flexibility included in the plan, which gives administration the ability to “pivot quickly” instead of necessarily waiting for a board meeting.
Other changes include closing off drinking fountains, a note stating that classroom cohorts “should be utilized to the extent possible” and the guidance that while cafeterias will be used during lunch, alternate spaces should also be utilized.
In a statement released Tuesday about the revised plan, Roberts mentioned “troubling” trends in local community spread, as well as guidance from local medical professionals. This includes Dr. Brian Niedbalski, Bartholomew County Health Department health officer, who has cited an increase in local cases involving children, as well as “their increased level of severity.”
“Internally, BCSC positive case numbers already reflect a pattern that will easily outpace the number of cases experienced in the first quarter of the last (2020-2021) school year,” Roberts wrote. “After two (2) days of students being in-person, we have reported 33 positive cases (30 students) after having reported 29 total cases during last year’s entire first quarter.”
At Monday’s meeting, he reported 31 positive cases, 24 “symptomatic individuals” and over 80 close contacts. The case number is based on identified positive cases, even if the individual hasn’t been in their school building yet.
On Friday there were already a “number of positive test cases” that had to be reported, but few close contacts, as they had not been to school, Roberts explained. Current close contacts may be coming from athletic activities, and he expects the number to rise now that school is back in session.
Roberts noted that the school corporation’s ability to record case counts was different over the summer, as they didn’t have absences to look investigate. Cases that they knew about at that time would have likely been staff who were working or athletes, he said. However, he added that there does seem to be an increase from case numbers seen over the summer.
The superintendent presented information about both local community spread and plan revisions at Monday’s lengthy board meeting, which saw a packed room of attendees and more sitting in the hallway. At least 80 people, if not more, attended. About 30 individuals talked to the board about COVID-19 protocols and masks in particular.
About half spoke in favor of mask requirements, and half against them. A number of speakers and attendees wore “Pro Parent Choice” stickers that a group offered to those at the meeting.
Comments included pleas from concerned parents, statistics and quotations supporting their views, and personal experiences amid the pandemic. A number of health care workers and professionals spoke up at the meeting, stating their support for masks.
A doctor voiced his disagreement with the mandate, and another speaker read comments on behalf of her husband, a medical professional.
Some speakers also referenced arguments made by Dr. Dan Stock. Stock, a McCordsville resident and family physician, has garnered attention for his statements against the efficacy of masks and vaccines.
In discussing the issue of masks, Roberts noted that parents on both sides are concerned for their students.
“It’s my hope, as we get the opportunity to hear from each of you, that we recognize that the people here care for the kids of the community,” he said. “People may come from different places, but respect the voice of each individual that speaks.”
There were a couple of questions from board members about the plan prior to the vote, but discussion was relatively short. At the meeting’s end, members offered their perspectives on the decision and thanked speakers for their input.
Board member Todd Grimes said he believes there are legitimate concerns on both sides of “this highly emotional, controversial issue.” He added that while people on either side can find information to back up their views, it’s also human nature to be attracted to data that supports one’s beliefs.
“As a teacher, I know masks aren’t fun for kids,” he said. “They’re not fun for teachers. As a teacher, I want to see kids’ faces, their reactions, their smiles and even occasional expressions of concern.”
Grimes acknowledged that masks pose difficulties for both teaching and communication, but added that the “adverse impact” of not being in school, for kids, was considerable. He also cited health and safety concerns.
Board member Nicole Wheeldon said the previous plan approved in July was the right plan based on the information they had at the time, and the new plan is the right plan based on the information they currently have.
“This is not something that is in stone,” said board member Pat Bryant. “… We’re going to look at it and continue to look at it all the way through the school year, right up until the very last day.”
