Geary USD 475 officials are working on a number of issues this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from fall enrollment options and wearing of face masks, to helping students or staff testing positive for COVID-19 or who have had exposure to the virus.
Laci Sell, Associate Superintendent, said this week the District officials are working through a screening and management process. "With that it is going to outline if students have been exposed, or if they have had a positive test or if they have symptoms."
Sell stated that two more meetings would be necessary with the Geary County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health & Environment because they are finalizing a document for schools. "
Sell provided an example. "Specifically, people say well my child has horrible allergies, they cough and sneeze. Is she going to be sent home every single time? No, because we know that is something that is going on with that child." Sell added they want to calm people's concern that their student isn't going to be sent home at every sniffle or sneeze. That's why the effort is being undertaken to work through a management plan so the District can work with people.
The Associate Superintendent explained if students are exposed or test positive, and are in a brick and mortar facility, the District will work with the family to make it possible for the child to have the learning continue through the remote learning option being offered by USD 475.