USD116 BOE Update: March 29, 2022

from Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

BOE Update in French

Action Item

6.1 Administrative Personnel Items

The BOE voted on the appointment of Mr. Derrick Cooper as the next principal of Urbana Middle School. APPROVED

Mr. Cooper is currently the Associate Principal at Champaign Central High School and has served in this role since 2020. He began his teaching career in August 2009 as an elementary teacher at Washington Elementary. He later taught at Jefferson Middle school, served as the interim Dean of Students at Centennial High School, the Assistant Principal at Westview Elementary and the Assistant Principal at Central High School.

Read his full bio here: https://usd116.org/ums-principal-cooper/

Administrative Report

5.1 Mask Guidance: Update

Dr. Ivory -Tatum gave an update on the legal implications of continued masking, reviewed county and district metrics and shared transition plans for the Board's consideration.

CDC COMMUNITY LEVELS

The CDC looks at the combination of three metrics to determine community levels. Data on new cases acts as an early warning indicator of potential increases in health system strain in the event of a COVID-19 surge. The COVID-19 community level is classified as low, medium, or high using these data.

Under the COVID-19 Community Levels, recommendations for prevention strategies in schools are as follows:

LOW - Focus on practical, everyday precautions such as staying up to date on vaccines, boosters, ventilation, staying home when sick, washing hands, and testing for those who are exposed or symptomatic
MEDIUM - Focus on protecting people who are at increased risk for severe illness and implement surveillance testing
HIGH - Implement universal masking and other layered prevention strategies

The current Champaign County Community Level is LOW.

The District testing positivity rate the past two weeks has been zero.

ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION

When the region is designated as Medium or Low, in accordance with CDC Guidance, the District will transition to: "MASKS RECOMMENDED" (This includes both First Student and the student only MTD buses).

The administration recommends this transition happen on Monday, April 4th.

Masks will be strongly recommended for the remainder of the school year. Masking requirements will be assessed and re-evaluated based on a weekly review of county metrics, the district's positivity rate, and the CDC community level. During time periods where the region is designated as Medium or Low, the Board's face-covering policy shall be suspended in its entirety.

When the CDC community level is High, the District will consider the positivity rate within the school district, so long as at least 1,000 students or staff continue to test. A school district positivity rate of 2% or more will be treated as “high” and will result in a return to masks being required for all students, staff, and visitors. This change would be announced to the USD community on Fridays.

Students and staff with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask in all settings.

MASKING EXCEPTIONS

Medically fragile students may require that all staff in the classroom wear face coverings at all times, regardless of the level of transmission defined by the CDC. Staff members assigned to a classroom with medically fragile students understand that a mask must be worn in the classroom at all times. HR and Special Services will work on alternate placements for staff that do not wish to wear a mask in these settings.

MITIGATIONS FOR HIGH RISK GROUPS

For students and staff who are immunocompromised or at increased risk for more severe illness, like students with disabilities, or when our area is at higher risk, we will continue

to use multiple strategies to prevent illness.

This may include wearing masks indoors, increasing physical distancing, or providing KN95 masks. Administrators and HR will work with students, families, and staff to understand their

individual needs and adjust strategies as needed.

SIGNAGE

The District has created signage for staff workspaces, classrooms, and building entrances.

Anyone can post this signage in their classroom or office space encouraging mask-wearing in people's personal workspaces. We ask all staff to be kind and courteous to those requesting masks be worn while in their work areas.

Regardless of whether an individual chooses to wear a mask or not, "mask bullying" will not be allowed or tolerated. In no situation shall a student or USD staff member question another student or staff member about their decision to wear a mask or not wear one. Bullying is prohibited by Board Policy and may result in disciplinary action for students and progressive discipline for staff.

BUSES

Masks will be recommended but not required on First Student buses beginning April 4.

Masks will still be required on MTD buses, per the TSA mandate.

View the full presentation