The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education has outlined for the community its return to learn plan for the fall. Reading a statement during this week’s meeting, board President Barry Conybeare said the plan is to be flexible in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Transmission rates in the county and within the community of St. Joseph Public Schools are currently low,” Conybeare read. “If they remain low, then we have high confidence that the upcoming school year will look and feel very much like a normal school year.”
Conybeare said the plan is for a return to in-person learning. A virtual option will be offered to those who want it, and the schools will be ready to go back to virtual learning if needed. How about vaccines?
“COVID vaccination is not required for school enrollment or attendance. The district encourages staff and students to become vaccinated, yet the district is not requiring staff or students to be vaccinated.”
Students or staff who are not vaccinated will be required to quarantine for ten days if they’ve had a close contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID. Additionally, the district will not require masks. Conybeare said the district will continue to work with the state and local health departments moving forward.
