Superintendent Update

August 25, 2021

Dear St. Paul Community,

Our community will be living with the virus until there is widespread vaccination and or immunity to Covid-19 and its variants. Right now, the best tools to protect individuals against the disease are vaccination for those eligible, physical distancing, face coverings, ventilation, and airflow, hand hygiene, and staying home if you are ill or have been exposed.

In order to prioritize safety and wellness, and in compliance with state law and the governor's orders, St. Paul School District will implement a proof of vaccination protocol for all teachers, district staff, coaches, volunteers, and contractors that wish to be on our campus. On August 13th, OAR 333-019-1025 was put into place which requires anyone five years of age or older to wear a face-covering while indoors in any public place, this includes our schools. On August 24th, Governor Kate Brown announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, where physical distancing is not possible. The rule will go into effect Friday, August 27th.

Please help us to keep our schools safe and open by following the mask and social distancing mandates for public spaces which include our schools and all-district property and at district events even if they are held off-site (Rodeo Grounds). We have safety protocols already in place in the district which includes isolation, quarantine, and testing for individuals who have potentially been exposed or who may be exhibiting symptoms. Thank you in advance for adhering to these guidelines. more information about school operations can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/healthsafety/Pages/RSSL-Guidance.aspx

Please continue to watch for updates related to the start of school in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Wehrli

School District Superintendent